The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) says it has uncovered a fresh plot by those it described as enemies of peace in Nigeria, to assassinate its leader.

“This latest plot, as disclosed to us by a reliable source, is a fresh attempt to kill our leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, who is currently in illegal detention in clear contempt of court judgment, and a simultaneous attack on members of IMN in several cities of Northern Nigeria,” the sect said in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President of its Media Forum, Ibrahim Musa.

Musa also alleged that “the operation against IMN will start immediately after a crucial and highly important ‘national announcement’ is made in the coming days or possibly weeks. Those who hatched the plan hope to cash on the political uncertainty they hope the national announcement will generate to finish off their genocidal plans they started years back that culminated in the December 2015 attacks.”

He said: “By carrying out their evil plan of killing our leader and spilling the blood of innocent civilians, they hope to exterminate the Movement once and for all.

“We are also aware that troops have been strategically and massively stationed in the major cities this operation will be carried out; waiting for the day the ‘special announcement’ will be made, so that they carry out the killing of innocent lives.”

He called on the international community to prevail upon the Federal Government to call its security agents to order, “who it seems, are still not satisfied with the over a thousand souls they massacred in Zaria in December, 2015.

“Assassination of our leader Sheikh Zakzaky and the murder of members of IMN, will in no way benefit Nigeria and Nigerians. We therefore urge them to urgently terminate this genocidal scheme.

“We will remain committed to the peaceful ways of getting justice done to the victims of Zaria massacre carried out by the Army in Zaria. We will therefore reiterate our demand for the immediate release of our leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, as directed by a Federal High Court, Abuja.”

Musa also declared that people of goodwill not only in Nigeria, but the world over, are concerned about the fate of the Sheikh “who is clocking 600 days in unjustifiable detention. We want him freed now, including his wife and several members of IMN in detention since the Zaria genocide.”

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