A clash between the members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Shiites and the Nigeria Police on Monday in Abuja left scores injured at the Unity Fountain where the protesters gathered.
According to reports, the police arrested about 115 Shiite members who were protesting against the continued incarceration of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakyzaky, by the Federal Government.
The protesters had moved to the National Human Rights Commission when the police swooped on them and fired tear gas canisters at them to break up the protest.
The Shiite members in turn, threw stones at the policemen, damaging many parked vehicles and injuring passersby and motorists.
Their action infuriated the cops who responded with live bullets, some of which hit the Nigerian Communications Commission building and other offices in the vicinity.
The security personnel also scalded the mob with hot water from their cannon truck.
The development paralysed commercial activities in the area as everyone fled while vehicles avoided the neighbourhood.
The police had last Friday cordoned off the Unity Fountain where the Shiite members usually hold their rallies.
They also arrested an activist and convener, Concerned Citizens, Deji Adeyanju, who had been championing the protests for over seven weeks.
The activist was also said to have been detained at the police command shortly after the clash between the police and the Shiite members on Monday.
