Prosecute El-zakzaky for terrorism - Protesters tell FG

Protesters on the platform of Sovereign Rights Coalition (SRC) have urged the Federal Government to prosecute Ibraheem El-zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other members of the group for terrorism.

The group stated this during a march from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Justice Ministry in Abuja on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.

The IMN had allegedly launched attacks on the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai in Kaduna in December 2016. This led to the killing of some members of the group and the arrest of the leader, Sheikh El-zakzaky.

Daniel Obaje, the coordinator of the group described as 'blackmail' comments by human rights group and western media on developments in the country as it's concern security.

"It is pertinent for the immediate arraignment and prosecution of the leader of the sect on terror charges as deemed appropriate," Obaje said.

"It is not news that the group, Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) led by its leader Ibraheem El-Zakzakky had launched an attack on the Chief of Army Staff and his convoy in Kaduna where in the course of the operation where he was arrested and a cache of arms was recovered.

"It has been nearly a year since this unfortunate event and these debauchers have continued to exhibit this impermissible crass negligence of the nation’s sovereignty in their hooded attempts to annex the nation to form their own republic.

"These extremists have so far been allowed to further distabilise the nation and its integrity via sponsored protests and media campaign accompanied with blackmail using international organisations and media.

The protesters also called on the Federal Government to severe diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Iran over the role played by the country during the attack on the army chief.

"We have also discovered that the relationship between our country and the Republic of Iran has become cancerous and will only be beneficial if such detrimental tie is severed to prevent further damage.

"It also chief amongst our demand that apart from ceasing all diplomatic relationships with the Iranian republic, a total removal of her embassy from Nigerian soil is pertinent and apt.

"All blackmails by bodies including human right groups as well as western media come to an end as it amounts to an affront on the sovereignty of Nigeria," he added.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, a director in the ministry, Princess Okorie promised to channel all their grievances to the appropriate quarters.