Thousands Protest in Northern Nigeria Over Iran Leader’s Death
Pro-Iranian Shia Group Marches, Condemns US and Israel
- Thousands of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) marched in cities including Kano,
- Protesters denounced the United States and Israel for “unprovoked” attacks,
- Sunday’s protests remained orderly
Thousands of supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) took to the streets of northern Nigerian cities on Sunday to protest the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrators carried Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei, Ruhollah Khomeini, and Shia leader Ibrahim Zakzaky.
In Kano, protesters marched five kilometres from a mosque in Fagge to the IMN headquarters in the Goron Dutse neighbourhood. They condemned the United States and Israel, chanting “death to America and Israel” and waving Palestinian flags while calling for an end to Western interference in the Middle East.
Protest leader Umar Yakubu criticised what he described as insincere attacks by the US and Israel amid ongoing negotiations. He urged participants to remain peaceful and follow the guidance of Ibrahim Zakzaky, who resides in Abuja.
The IMN has long advocated for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution in Nigeria and has clashed with authorities, notably in December 2015 when a military raid on Zakzaky’s home in Zaria killed around 350 followers after a blocked military convoy during a religious ceremony. Despite this violent history, Sunday’s demonstrations remained largely peaceful, focusing on mourning and political solidarity rather than confrontation.
