Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shiites) on Friday held a rally in Abuja to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The gathering marked the first time the group has staged a demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory since the cleric was reportedly killed on February 26 during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The rally coincided with the annual Quds Day observance and drew thousands of Shiite Muslims to the National Mosque in Abuja.

Participants were seen carrying banners, waving flags and chanting slogans condemning Israeli actions against Palestinians.

Prior to the rally, concerns over possible protests in the FCT had prompted heightened security measures across parts of Abuja.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria had also temporarily shut its operations amid fears of demonstrations.

Speaking with Punch, the Chairman of the Media Forum of the Islamic Movement, Ammar Rajab, said the group had been observing Quds Day in Nigeria for more than four decades.

According to him, the annual event typically features lectures, discussions, processions and public awareness campaigns.

Rajab said the 2026 observance was particularly significant due to the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories.

He said, “This year’s observance is particularly urgent as reports indicate that over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since October 2023, with hundreds of thousands displaced. Journalists have been barred from reporting the crisis, leaving the reality largely hidden.

“We also mourned the assassination of Ayatullah Ali Khamenei, highlighting his uncompromising stand against oppression and injustice, and reaffirmed the movement’s call for the freedom and liberation of Palestine.”

Rajab, however, dismissed reports that security operatives attacked members of the group during the rally.

“It is not true. We started peacefully and left without any intervention from the police,” he said.

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