The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has held its Ashura mourning procession in Abuja despite police warning against it.
The procession which was attended by men, women, and children, was held on Tuesday from Berger Roundabout to Wuse, Igbere TV reports.
Known as the Day of Ashura, it is marked as the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
The procession which began at 8 am lasted for 25 minutes.
It is observed annually by Shiite Muslims worldwide to commemorate the death of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq.
Known as the third Shia Imam, Husayn was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam.
Husayn was said to have died during the Battle of Karbala on October 10, 680 between his army and the army of the second Umayyad caliph Yazid I.
The police had warned the group against going ahead with the procession, stating that by virtue of the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice of July 26, 2019, the IMN had been proscribed in the country and cannot hold any procession.
But, the sect raised alarm on Monday alleging that the police were planning to attack them during the procession.
