I don't know why the government is against the Shia, provided that their Ashura ritual wouldn't disrupt the peace of the Abuja metropolitan then, I see no reason to clamp down on them. Problem comes on if the procession would tear the fabric of peace. Right to freedom of movement, association, speech and belief is guaranteed in our Constitution.
βNigerian Police Threaten To Clamp Down On Shiβ²ites Ashura Procession In Abuja - SaharaReporters.comβ