Nigeria Arraigns Islamic Sect Leader El-Zakzaky In Kaduna, Bars Journalists Access To Court

The leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites; Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky was on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna High Court, Northwest of the country amidst tight security.

Journalists and some members of the Movement who trooped to the court premises were barred from entering as the roads leading to the court was condoned off.

Sheikh Zakzaky who was in the court in company of his wife as early as 8:30am was said to have been brought to Kaduna on Monday night from where he was being detained..

Speaking to the media, Counsel to Zakzaky, Barrister Maxwell Kyom, said the Cleric is being charged for unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide punishable with death.

Barrister Kyom said the case could not continue because two of the Defendants were not in court.  He said an oral application was moved for the bail of the Cleric and his wife, but the presiding judge, Justice Gideon Kurada asked him to put his application in writing.

A member of the movement in Kaduna, Abdulhameed Bello confirmed to newsmen that Sheikh Zakzaky was brought to Kaduna a night before the sitting.

According to him, members of the Movement were disappointed for his re-arraignment because in a substantive suit before an Abuja High Court, the court ruled that he should be released unconditionally.

According to Bello, Sheikh Zakzaky is almost losing his two eyes and suffering from Diabetes and mild Stroke.

“We call on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to as a matter of urgency obey the judgement of the Abuja court and release the Sheikh for peace to reign.

“We as a Movement will continue to use all peaceful means to put pressure on the government to see reason and allow Sheikh Zakzaky to go home and attend to his deteriorating health,” he said.

The case was adjourned to June 21, 2018 by the presiding judge, Justice Gorada following an application by the prosecutor  to properly file  statement of claim.