IMN alleged that the planned attacks are targeted at correctional centres and facilities in Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Katsina states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly called 'Shi'ites' has said it uncovered a plot by the Nigerian government to stage jailbreaks in some parts of the country and blame the attacks on the movement.
IMN alleged that the planned attacks are targeted at correctional centres and facilities in Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Katsina states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The movement said from all indications, the plot is a calculated attempt by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to continue its attack on its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
IMN disclosed this in a statement issued by Halima Aliyu on behalf of the Academic Forum of the movement on Thursday in Abuja.
The sect stated that the plan is contained in a document allegedly authored by one David Attah and sent to the Minister of Interior; Inspector General of Police; Controller-General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Abuja; and the Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abuja.
The statement added that the sect has no plan to attack correctional centres and facilities as is being speculated, adding that it is a ploy to launch another attack on the movement just as the military did in December 2015 when it ‘hid under blockage of the road for Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai (former Chief of Army Staff) and executed Zaria massacre’.
The statement read, "We would like to inform the public that the Buhari regime is planning to execute another prison break in the country and push the blame on the Islamic movement under the leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Ya'qoub El-Zakzaky (H); to pave a way for another attack on the movement.
“From all indications, Buhari wants to continue his attack on Sheikh Zakzaky (H) to enable him to get some scorecards from the failed Zaria massacre project.
"The planned prison break and unlawful attack on the Islamic movement are contained in a document authored by David Attah and sent to the Minister of Interior; Inspector General of Police; Controller-General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Abuja, and the Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abuja.
"David Attah is a Director in the Special Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and in his letter, referenced W.I/S.19/107 and dated 8th December 2022, he stated that ‘I am to draw your attention to the report which revealed the plan by the Islamic movement to attack some correctional centres and facilities in Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina states and the FCT’.
"David Attah added that ‘it is worthy to note that the Islamic movement is accusing the Federal Government of Nigeria of conniving with the United States of America (USA) to eliminate their leader, his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Ya'qoub El-Zakzaky (H).’ Finally, David Attah ended his letter directing the Minister of Interior, IGP, CG of Nigeria Correctional Service, and CG Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to take necessary action deemed appropriate."
IMN described the allegation as laughable and reminded the Buhari regime of the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) report which revealed that the ‘Cordon and Search Operation’ conducted by the Nigerian Army that culminated in the pogrom was ‘in contravention of the provision of Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act No 24 of 1994’.
The statement, therefore, called on Nigerians to hold the President responsible for the attack on Kuje correctional centre in July in Abuja just as it vowed to continue the protest against the refusal of the Nigerian government to release the travel documents of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
"Whatever happens to the aforementioned correctional centres, the public should squarely hold Mohammed Babagana Monguno, Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha, and David Attah responsible for that.”
"On our side, from the 2015 Zaria massacre to date, whatever happens to our leader Sheikh Ibraheem Ya'qoub El-Zakzaky (H), we are squarely holding Buhari responsible.”
"Finally, we are determined to continue protesting against the travel ban placed on our leader by the Buhari regime and to demand the release of the travel documents of Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) and his wife Zeenah Ibraheem," the statement added.