Shiites Blames Police For Channels TV Journalist, DCP’s Death

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, on Wednesday, blamed the security agencies over the death of a journalist and Deputy Commissioner of Police during one of its protests last year.

IMN in the statement released also noted that 10 corpses of its members were still being kept by the police in two Hospitals in Abuja.

Recall that a Channels Television Journalist, Precious Owolabi; and DCP Usman Belel were killed on July 22 during one of IMN protests to demand the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenah.

The Academic Forum of IMN in a statement released through Abdullahi Musa, to mark the one-year anniversary of the event, called on the families of the victims to sue the Inspector – General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, “for such atrocious brutality.”

He said, “Exactly a year ago, Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers, demanding his unconditional release, marched in a procession towards the Federal Secretariat, Abuja. On arriving, DCP Usman Umar Belel waylaid us on our way to the place designated for the termination of the march and he began to address us.”

“All of sudden, other police personnel started shooting live ammunition, resulting in the cruelty through which he, Precious Owolabi and 16 Zakzaky protesters were killed.”

“On this occasion of the incident anniversary, we wish to inform the public of police responsibility for the savage brutality. As we condemn the assassination, we urge the families of these personalities to sue the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for such atrocious brutality.”

The forum further stated that the 10 corpses were taken by police, it further stated that despite a Federal High Court judgement, the police are “hiding four corpses at the National Hospital and six corpses at Asokoro District Hospital.”

The group reiterated its demand for the release of its leader.