The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Shuaibu Dass, a member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ite group, for attempting to bribe police officers with N1.5 million.
Dass offered the bribe in a bid to secure the release of Abdul Kareem Ahmed, a prominent member and financier of the Shi’ite movement.
During a press briefing on Monday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, detailed the circumstances leading to Ahmed’s arrest. According to Igweh, Ahmed was apprehended by operatives from the State Intelligence Department for his alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers during a Shi’ite procession. The incident, which occurred at Wuse market junction on August 25, 2024, also left three other officers injured and resulted in the destruction of three police patrol vehicles.
“The Shi’ite members attacked our officers without any provocation, leading to the unfortunate deaths of two policemen and the injury of three others,” Igweh stated.
Following the violent confrontation, the police launched a crackdown, arresting 97 Shi’ite members.
Despite the police’s claims, the Shi’ite leadership has distanced the group from the violence. Prof. Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, a leader within the movement, denied any involvement in the attacks and damage to police vehicles. However, Igweh confirmed that the two suspects, Dass and Ahmed, are in police custody and will soon face charges in court.
On September 5, 2024, Shuaibu Dass reportedly approached police operatives, offering N1.5 million to secure Ahmed’s release. Igweh disclosed, “Alhaji Shuaibu Dass of Durumi 1, a known member of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’ite Sect), tried to bribe our officers to release Abdul Kareem Ahmed.
“Both Dass and Ahmed are linked to the murder of the two officers and causing grievous injuries to three others. They are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of our investigations.”
The police commissioner also revealed that authorities are actively pursuing other sponsors of the Shi’ite group.
“We have leads and intelligence that we are following. Rest assured, we will apprehend all those involved. Our efforts are determined and focused,” Igweh added.
Speaking to journalists, Dass claimed he brought the money to secure the release of his cousin, Ahmed.
“I was informed by Ahmed’s family that he had been arrested, and they didn’t know where he was. So, I brought the money to secure his release,” Dass explained.
Ahmed, who admitted to being a member of the Shi’ite movement, revealed that he had advised his cousin against attempting to secure his bail through unofficial means.
“When he [Dass] came, he said he wanted to bail me out. I explained that the Islamic movement had its legal team working on securing our release. However, he insisted it was not a problem, claiming he knew people who could help with a quick bail,” Ahmed recounted.
Ahmed, a farmer, also mentioned his concerns about his crops.
“He [Dass] mentioned that if I remained in custody longer, my crops would spoil. I agreed, telling him that if he could get me out, it was fine. But I am not a financier as claimed; I am only a member of the Shi’ite movement,” he clarified.