They called for measures to tackle the group before it caused havoc similar to that of Boko Haram in the country.

They said there were other Shitte members across the country but that they were not known to be as violent as the members of IMN, led by Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, now in DSS custody.

The police were represented by the Area Commander, Zaria, DCP MD Shehu, while Mustapha Sani, the State Director of DSS, represented his agency.

Both officials said IMN was being funded by local and international organisations as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran.

They said Iran was the major financier of IMN in addition to locally generated revenues from taxes ranging from N50 to N500 placed on members all over the country.

The police said they had evidence that the Lebanese community in Nigeria who were members of the movement also contributed to the funds of the group.

The Divisional Police Officer, Sabon Gari, CSP Taofeek Sabiu, also told the commission that several invitations were extended to the leader for dialogue at the Area Command but he never honoured any.

The officer said IMN operated independent of constituted authority as its members did not recognise the Nigerian Government but they believed they were under Iran.

“The IMN have a leadership structure about 150 members always on duty in and around the IMN leader’s residence and Gyellesu in Zaria.

“There have been several complaints of activities of the IMN members to the division at individual and group levels accusing them of molestations and other violent activities but when you invite them to the police station they do not come.