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ISIS, Al-Qaeda: Group gives AGF Malami 21 reasons to proscribe IMN
BY: Oliseama Okwuchukwu
The Global Integrity Crusade Network has given comprehensive and cogent reasons the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, should be proscribed and labeled a national terrorist organisation.
The group, in a letter addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, gave 21 reasons the ministry should act fast and outlaw the group for constituting nuisance in the country.
This call is coming barely one week after another civil society organisation, the Coalition for Nigeria, had called on the Nigerian government to outlaw the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, saying that Iran was discreetly breeding another terrorism sect in Nigeria through IMN extremists.
The Global Integrity Crusade Network in a letter signed Bashorun Oladokun Abdulwajeed, Director of Special Duties, which was copied to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police, claimed that the IMN has been linked to recruitment of members of foreign terrorist groups such as the Islamic States (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, and so on, contrary to Section 10 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and should not be allowed to operate in Nigeria.
The letter is titled: “21 REASONS WHY YOUR OFFICE MUST URGENTLY DESIGNATE THE DREADED ISLAMIC MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA (IMN) AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION IN LINE WITH THE KADUNA STATE WHITE PAPER ON ZARIA CLASHES OF DECEMBER 2015.”
It reads: “We at Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) have keenly monitored activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites within the past few weeks and note with bitterness that members of the organization have continued to breach national peace, cause mayhem and make life unbearable for innocent citizens, especially in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and its environs.
“Only on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 members of IMN numbering in their thousands, clothed with intimidating regalia and chanting war songs barricaded the main entrance leading to the National Assembly Complex, thereby obstructing vehicular movement and legislative activities for the day. There is no doubt that IMN is hell bent on sustaining this kind of violent protests in the city of Abuja under the guise of “demanding” for the release of their acclaimed leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky who has been in protective custody and is presently facing criminal prosecution before the High Court of Kaduna State. It therefore follows that unless and until something tangible is done to exterminate the group at once, the much anticipated peace in the North and Nigeria as a whole will remain an illusion.
“Recall that following the clash that occurred between IMN and the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State between December 12 and 14, 2015, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, pursuant to the powers vested on him by Section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 34, Laws of Kaduna State, 1991 set up the 13 member Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Honourable Justice Muhammed Lawal Garba, JCA with a defined Terms of Reference (TOR). The Judicial Commission of Inquiry which examined, amongst other issues, the immediate and remote causes of the aforesaid clash, submitted its report in July 2016. Thereafter, the Kaduna State Government made the report public within ten days and set up a committee of senior public servants, which eventually prepared a draft White Paper that was later reviewed, amended approved by the Kaduna State Executive Council. Our careful perusal of the White Paper reveals that it captures the views and decisions of the government on all the recommendations made to it by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
“We note that all recommendations pertaining to the Federal Ministry of Justice were referred to your office for appropriate consideration and action, particularly with regard to prosecution of certain offenders and designating IMN as a terrorist group that it truly is.
“We, like other well-meaning Nigerians, are worried that after over two years of receipt of the White Paper, your office has not deemed it fit to take decisive actions against IMN despite the fact that the group, which has already been outlawed by Kaduna State Government, would stop at nothing to destabilize our dear country. It is against this backdrop that we hereby write to give you 21 reasons why you must not delay further in using the sledge hammer by labelling IMN as a terrorist organization and causing it to face the attendant consequences of being so labelled according to the extant laws of the land. The said 21 reasons are as stated below: –
“1. That IMN is not a registered organization at the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAP C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. This implies that it cannot be sued, tried or convicted as an entity for crimes committed by its members and has no basis to exist in Nigeria.
“2. That IMN has never ceased to be a violent organization as deduced from the wealth of oral and documentary evidence made available to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
“3. That the December 2015 clash reveals caches of arms and ammunitions purported to have been procured by IMN with the backing of Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon, hence the need to ban the organization.
“4. That IMN has built a leadership since the past three decades that has been steadfast and deliberate in habitual acts of lawlessness and defiance of constituted authorities in Nigeria.
“5. That Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky being the overall temporal and spiritual leader of IMN was notorious to be in constant clash with all the successive governments of Nigeria from Shagari through Buhari (as Military Head of State), Babangida to Abacha and throughout the 4th Republic.
“6. That Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky believes from the beginning and probably would never change his mindset that there is no peaceful way for Muslims to attain their need for Sharia implementation so that Nigeria solely receives commandments from Allah. This belief is unbecoming, evil and unacceptable in the light of Section 10 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which clearly stipulates to the effect that Nigeria operates a secular system and the Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.
“7. That IMN has by its activities and characters brazenly breached Section 1 Subsection (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 through commission of acts of terrorism and financing of terrorism.
“8. That El-Zakzaky has been arranging, managing and participating in meetings alongside members of IMN which in his knowledge are connected with terrorism. This offence is punishable pursuant to Section 4 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 which prescribes imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years.
“9. That El-Zakzaky receives funds from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lebanon, Ghana and Niger Republic which he channels into rendering all manners of support to his followers. He also distributes Islamic literatures, proliferates arms and light weapons as well as incites members of IMN to commit terrorist acts with the aim of dislodging the government of Nigeria contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and punishable upon conviction for a term not less than 20 years.
“10. That there are overwhelming evidence from recent activities of IMN to show that the group is a law unto itself. Members of IMN are fond of confronting law enforcement agencies in order to rescue any of its members arrested or kept in custody in connection with acts of terrorism. This is a clear breach of Section 6 the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the offence attracts imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years.
“11. That Sheikh El-Zakzaky is notorious for training his guards popularly called Hurras in the practice of military exercise and in the making or use of explosives and other forms of lethal weapons without being authorized under the Nigerian laws to do so. This constitutes an offence under Section 7 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and carries 20 years as punishment upon conviction.
“12. That the petrol bombs, lethal weapons and other explosives used by members of IMN during their clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State in December 2015 were all provided by their most revered leader El-Zakzaky with support from foreign funders and sympathizers. This is an offence under Section 9 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and is punishable with imprisonment for not less than 20 years.
“13. That IMN has been linked to recruitment of persons to be members of foreign terrorist groups such as the Islamic States (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab and so on contrary to Section 10 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
“14. That the innocent citizens of Nigeria who now live in fear of IMN are entitled to protection of their human rights under Chapter IV of the Constitution by the Federal Government and office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice should no longer condone unlawful killings, grievous bodily harm, maiming, road blocking and destruction of properties by IMN.
“15. That IMN has for the past 30 years operated outside the laws of Nigeria but rather chose to adopt the Funtua Declaration as their flagship expression of the ideology of confrontation with the Nigerian State, its legal system and security agencies.
“16. That IMN has shown by the infractions committed since its existence that it is not different from Boko Haram and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which have since been profiled, disbanded and labelled as terrorist groups both in Nigeria and abroad.
“17. That to avoid proscribing IMN as a matter of urgency after so much agitation in that regard from overwhelming population of Nigerians will send the wrong signal to other law-abiding organizations and embolden the IMN to continue to defy all constituted authorities.
“18. That your swift implementation of the recommendations of the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry as contained in the White Paper relating to proscription of IMN is key to totally ending the menace of terrorism, incessant clashes, threat to peace, law and order in Nigeria.
“19. That no singular individual, group, organization or institution is above the law or bigger than the Nigerian State as to be allowed to rebel constituted authorities in a manner that threatens national security.
“20. That the designation of IMN as a terrorist group will go a long way in reducing or completely dissuading other countries from interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria.
“21. That there are no longer prospects of constructive engagement with the leadership of IMN, as they seem to have made up their minds to declare war against Nigeria through sustained violent protests and other terrorist activities.
“In conclusion, we strongly advise that the Nigerian State should commit itself to transparency, accountability and good governance to create within citizens a sense of belonging to a nation that provides for their welfare and security as stipulated under the Constitution. The State is effective in leadership if it has legitimacy and such legitimacy itself is a function of the government showing capacity to carry out its responsibility of providing for the public good.
“This letter gives the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice yet another opportunity to rekindle the hope of Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR in his Next Level agenda is truly ready to guarantee maximum security for the entire country.
“No doubt, innocent Nigerians have suffered enough in the hands of the deviant organization called IMN. It is our expectation therefore that your office will within the next 7 (Seven) working days from the date hereof consider the 21 reasons given above for the proscription of IMN, make a public statement with regard thereto and take necessary legal steps to do the needful. We hold office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in very high esteem but will not hesitate this time around to drag it before the court with a view to securing an Order of Mandamus compelling it to perform its statutory duty.”
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Enugu State Govt Condemns Murder of Catholic Priest, Places ₦10 Million Bounty on Killers
…Commiserates with family, Catholic Church
The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya of Nsukka Catholic Diocese by unknown assailants.
The government also commiserated with the late priest’s immediate family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and indeed the Catholic faithful in general over the tragic incident, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government described the action as cowardly and cold-blooded.
Father Eya was said to have been shot dead by a group of assailants, who attacked and killed him along Alumona- Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu.
The government has, therefore, reiterated that security of lives and property remains its priority and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
It added that it would not spare any resources within its reach, including technology and credible intelligence to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in the state.
Consequently, the Enugu State Government has placed a ₦10 million reward for anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426.
The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised concern over the recent cases of media repression in the country.
Mr Musikilu Mojeed, president, IPI Nigeria, raised the alarm at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
NAN also reports that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the service of the agency (NAN) as a Director.
Speaking at the event, Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief, Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.
“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.
“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
“A former “ThisDay” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.
Mojeed, called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.
He stressed that, efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.
He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space, kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.
He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.
Mr Garba Shehu, s spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.
Shehu praised her, as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism”.
He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.
According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.
“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.
Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which he said, have earned her recognition and respect in the industry..
On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.
While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.
Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society
She stressed that, telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.
Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.
“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.
“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.
“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.
“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she said.
NAN reports that Sani’s dedication to her work and her commitment to excellence have been hallmarks of her career, which started with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) before joining VON.
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Naija Times celebrates 5th anniversary, launches nonprofit arm to promote quality journalism and social impact
Naija Times, Nigeria’s leading independent online newspaper, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary.
To mark this milestone, the management is excited to announce the launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation, its nonprofit arm, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and social impact.
Founded on September 15, 2020, by Ehi Braimah, a notable PR expert and media personality in Nigeria, Naija Times has delivered high-quality, unbiased, and informative content to its readers. Akpandem James and Jahman Anikulapo – two senior and highly respected journalists – are Braimah’s co-founding partners of Naija Times.
The newspaper covers politics, business, health, education, culture, and sports, while its regularly published editorials provide sharp insights into Nigeria’s pressing issues. The newly launched website, www.ntm.ng to mark the anniversary, offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier for readers to navigate the website and access Naija Times’ diverse content.
On its 3rd anniversary two years ago, Naija Times launched the book, ‘For a Better Society,’ a compilation of editorials published from September 2020 to July 2023 in Abuja, further solidifying its role in shaping public discourse.
Naija Times Journalism Foundation, accessible at www.ntjfoundation.org, expands the organisation’s mission by supporting investigative journalism on critical social issues, promoting media literacy to educate the public on evaluating information and combating misinformation, and empowering community development through initiatives that foster social cohesion and economic empowerment.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of delivering credible journalism to our readers,” said Braimah, founder and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times.
“Five years ago, we launched Naija Times with the following goals in mind: build strong institutions, promote transparency and accountability in public spending, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.
“Together with my colleagues, we remain committed to building an egalitarian society that is founded on equity, justice and respect for fundamental human rights. The launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive social impact and elevate journalism practice in Nigeria.”
Naija Times Journalism Foundation is a knowledge production and journalism innovation hub dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development and accountability by empowering a vibrant and free press in Nigeria, Africa and Black Diaspora.
The Foundation’s Programmes Officer is Hart Onoboh, a seasoned programmes and communications professional with over five years’ experience, driving impactful development projects in Nigeria.
Hart has a robust background in strengthening democratic governance, combating misinformation, and facilitating community-based interventions.
Previously a fact-checker and visual communications officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), he led initiatives to counter misinformation and promote electoral integrity, training over 25 fact-checkers across four states in Nigeria.
Hart is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and he brings technical expertise, creative communication, and field experience to the Foundation’s advocacy and governance initiatives.
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