The police on Monday in Abuja dispersed protesting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria with tear gas as they attempted to force their way into the National Assembly complex .

The Shiite members demanded the release of their leader , Ibraheem El -Zakzaky , detained since 2015.

The protesters were chased away and a few of them were arrested by policemen supported by civil defence operatives.

The police also fired gunshots in the air , causing fear and pandemonium as people ran for safety.

The number of those arrested could not be immediately ascertained, but our correspondent saw a bloodied youth being taken away by a police team at Zone 3 , Wuse.

Details later…

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BREAKING: Police disperse Shiite protesters with tear gas