IMN protesters take to Lagos streets over killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shi’a Muslim group, on Monday staged a street protest in Lagos to condemn the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in what they allege were US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

The demonstrators, who gathered around the Maryland area, marched through parts of the city chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans and denouncing what they described as foreign aggression against a sovereign nation. While tension increased briefly along the route of the protest, the demonstration remained peaceful, and the participants eventually dispersed without violence.

The IMN, often referred to as Shiites, has historically shown solidarity with Iran and regularly stages protests in support of international Shia causes; similar demonstrations were reported in Kano, Niger State, and other cities over Khamenei’s death.

Security forces had earlier been put on alert nationwide to prevent potential unrest tied to the Middle East crisis, with the Nigeria Police Force increasing intelligence-led patrols around worship centres and public spaces to maintain order.