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Nigerian Court Grants Permission to Declare Shiite Group Terrorists

Reuters

   ABUJA, NIGERIA - A Nigerian court has granted thegovernment permission
   to label a local Shiite Muslim group aterrorist organization, the
   solicitor general told Reuters onSaturday.

   Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have beenmarching in
   Abuja, calling for the release of theirleader, IbrahimZakzaky, who has
   been in detention since 2015despite a court order to release him.

   The protests have often turned violent. An IMN spokesmansaid at least
   20 of the group's members were killed this weekduring demonstrations.

   DayoApata, Nigeria's solicitor general, confirmed in amobile text
   message that a federal court in Abuja had grantedthe government
   permission to proscribe the IMN, a move offeringthe authorities the
   chance to clamp down harder on the group.

   An IMN spokesman said that the group had not received any formalnotice
   and that marches would continue.

   Zakzaky'soffice said plans to ban the movement had beenconsidered since
   2015 and it was not surprised by the move.

   A court in Kaduna state is set to decide onZakzaky'sbail application
   Monday.The Shiite group can appeal the order.

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