IHRC Is deeply concerned that rumours that the Kano Emirate will crackdown on the Islamic Movement tomorrow Friday 18 December may be true.

The concerns follow reports that the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido expressed sentiment designed to stoke sectarian hatred aimed at demonising the Islamic Movement [1] in a public speech regarding the events of the last few days in Zaria and elsewhere. Whilst this interpretation needs verification, it is clear that the situation is tense.

IHRC urges observers to be on the lookout for sectraian rhetoric that could incite violence tomorrow, particularly at Friday prayers. It also urges all international observers to raise the issue of security and justice with the Nigerian authorities.

IHRC has called on the Commonwealth and the African Union to suspend Nigeria’s membership and privileges pending the release of all detainees, including the leader of the Islamic Movement Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky.

For more information, please contact IHRC on +44 20 8904 4222 or +447958522196 or email info@ihrc.org

Notes to editors:

[1] The Islamic Movement is a non-sectarian, non-violent movement led by Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky. Whilst the sheikh and many of the movement are Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims as well as Christians also belong to the movement.[ENDS]