Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky

Sheikh Ibraheem is the leading force behind the most influential Shia movement in Nigeria and heads its Islamic Movement. The movement has witnessed rapid growth and is based on the model of Hezbollah, focusing on social services, education, charity, etc, but also including military training. In December 2015, the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Zaria, massacred hundreds of his followers, killed three of his sons and held him under state detention before being released. He was arrested again and acquitted, but still has travel restrictions in place.

Source of Influence: Scholarly

Status: Featured in current year