Thousands of mourners gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Wednesday as four members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were buried months after they were allegedly killed by soldiers during a pro-Palestine procession in Abuja.
The deceased — Kabiru Usman, Huzaifa Muhammad Sani, Jafar Abdullahi and Uzairu Zakariya — were reportedly shot dead on March 28, 2025, during the annual Quds Day rally. Their bodies had remained in the custody of security agencies and medical facilities until an Upper Area Court in Abuja ordered their release.
The burial took place at Darur Rahma Cemetery in Dembo, Zaria, and coincided with 4 Rajab 1447 AH. The event attracted a large crowd of relatives, supporters, and followers of IMN leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
The court ruling, delivered by Hon. Gambo Garba, directed the Nigeria Police and several hospitals, including National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, to release eight bodies linked to the March incident. While four have now been buried, IMN members say the remaining four bodies are still being withheld despite the court order.
Speaking at the burial, Maryam Sani Argungu, Chairperson of Mu’assatus Shuhada, alleged that the victims died from gunshot wounds inflicted by soldiers. She said the movement would continue to pursue justice and called on authorities to immediately release the remaining bodies in compliance with the court directive.
Members of the Islamic Movement stated that they would continue peaceful and lawful actions in demand of justice, accusing authorities of violating the dignity and rights of the deceased and their families. Security agencies have not yet responded to the allegations.
