Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged street protests in parts of Niger State on Sunday following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been assassinated in coordinated strikes by the United States (US) and Israel.
News of Khamenei's death prompted swift mobilisation by supporters of the Shi’a movement, who described the alleged killing as an act of global injustice.
According to reports, dozens of IMN members took to the streets shortly after news of the reported death spread on social media.
Protesters marched through several areas, chanting solidarity slogans, waving Iranian flags and holding placards reading “We Stand With Iran” and “Free Iran,” alongside anti-US and anti-Israel messages.
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In a statement circulated among supporters, the group announced it was mourning what it described as the “martyrdom” of the Iranian leader and pledged continued support for the Iranian people.
“We strongly condemn the United States–Israel aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain,” part of the statement said.
During the procession, demonstrators were heard chanting slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” vowing to resist what they characterised as Western interference in Middle Eastern affairs.
Led by cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the movement has a history of organising demonstrations in support of Iranian causes and has repeatedly criticised US and Israeli foreign policies, activities that have, in the past, attracted scrutiny from Nigerian authorities.
There was no immediate response from state officials on Sunday, and it remains unclear whether further demonstrations are planned.