ADVERTISEMENT

Charlie Boy, Concerned Nigerians demand cleric's release

The group of protesters joined Shiite members who have been protesting for the release of the cleric.

The group of protesters joined Shiite members who have been protesting for the release of their cleric who has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) for two years.

The sit-out protest took place at Unity Fountain in Abuja where leader of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, said the government has unfairly targeted the group for harassment.

Speaking in Pidgin English, Charly Boy remarked that the current state of the country is sad because there's a systemic failure that cannot be sustained.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Make them know say all of us na Nigerians. What is happening in Nigeria today is not fair. This kind of systemic failure cannot even be sustained by the people who have created it. I have never seen the kind of ethnic hatred that I have seen in this present regime.

"We can be called a shithole because we have animals in human clothing. My demand is simple, they should release the man," he said.

52 IMN members were arrested by the Abuja Police Command on January 10, 2018, after staging a protest that reportedly got out of hand.

The command alleged that the protesters attacked citizens and police operatives with some bottles of improvised petrol-bomb, stones and catapult during the protest.

El-Zakzaky's imprisonment

ADVERTISEMENT

El-Zakzaky has been in custody for two years after the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Zaria and killed hundreds of his followers, including three of his sons, in December 2015.

This was a direct consequence of his followers' clash with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai.

Despite the court order of Justice Gabriel Kolawole calling for his release on December 2, 2016, after he ruled that the government's justification of "holding him for his own protection" is insufficient, the cleric remains in government custody with his wife.

After rumours of his death intensified protests last week, the DSS allowed him to speak to the media on January 13, his first public appearance since his incarceration.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT