Ex-minister condemns ban on Shiite sect

Femi Fani-Kayode, the former aviation minister has condemned the recent ban of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly called Shiites.

Recall that Governor Nasir el-Rufai issued an order on Friday, October 7, 2016, declaring the IMN led by Ibraheem el-Zakzaky, an unlawful society.

Fani-Kayode in a reaction on Monday, October 10, however, described the ban as evil.

"One year ago you wooed and courted the Shia Muslims and asked them for their votes," the ex-minister said.

"After the election, you massacred them in their thousands, buried them in mass graves, burnt down their homes, desecrated their burial sites, blinded and mortally wounded their leader, shot his pregnant wife and locked him up indefinitely.

"Today you have declared their organisation illegal and banned them. This is evil," he added.

Meanwhile, the Shiites have vowed to challenge the declaration of the Kaduna state government.

The IMN made headlines in December 2015 when its members clashed with the army in Zaria, Kaduna state. A judicial panel of inquiry in August concluded that the army killed 348 of the sect's members.