March 1, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Dozens of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, staged a protest on Sunday in parts of Niger State following viral reports alleging that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was assassinated in coordinated military strikes.
The reported killing — which had not been independently confirmed by international authorities at the time of filing this report — quickly sparked outrage among IMN supporters, who described the claim as a “grave injustice” and an attack on global Shiite leadership.
Witnesses told SUNTV Global Channel that protesters mobilised shortly after the news spread across social media platforms. The demonstrators marched through major streets chanting solidarity slogans, waving Iranian flags, and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran” and “Stop Western Aggression.”
In a statement circulated among followers, the movement expressed deep grief over what it called the “martyrdom” of Khamenei and strongly condemned alleged actions by the United States and Israel against Iran.
“We strongly condemn the aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain,” part of the statement read.
During the procession, chants of anti-US and anti-Israel slogans echoed across the protest routes, with participants vowing continued resistance against what they described as foreign interference in Middle Eastern affairs.
Security sources said the demonstration remained largely peaceful but was closely monitored due to past tensions involving the group.
The protest once again highlights the long-standing ideological ties between IMN members and Iran — a relationship that has frequently drawn scrutiny from Nigerian authorities and sparked periodic confrontations over the years.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the unverified reports and any official confirmation from international sources.
