Islamic movement demands release of Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky

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February 4, 2016 4:53 PM

‪Members of Islamic movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites have protested, demanding an unconditional release of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

Zakzaky has been in detention for the past 50 days following a clash between his members and a convoy of the Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

The Shiites leader, his wife were arrested a day after his members clashed with the Nigerian Military on 12 December, 2015.

The group has claimed that several of it members were also arrested while Shaikh Zakzaki's residence located at Gellesu Zaria, including their places of worship were demolished military authorities.

The soldiers accused the shi'ites of setting up an illegal checkpoint in an attempt to assassinate the country's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Yusuf Tukur Brutai in the ancient city. An allegation the shi'ites leadership strongly denied.

A commission of Inquiry has been set up by the Kaduna State government to investigate the actual cause of the crisis.

The protesters who are mostly student comprised of women and men came under auspices of Academic Forum of the movement said, it is pathetic that contrary to Nigerian constitution that said nobody should be detained more than 24 hours without being charged to the court, sheik El-Zakzaky has been in custody for 50days which is a violation of his constitutional right.‬

Leader of the protesters Mikaeel Yusuf said, following the military assault on the residents of sheik El-Zakzaky and two of their centers 730 of their members have been missing while 220 are in Kaduna prison, among them women and children.

“It is now six weeks on, since when the Nigerian Army launched a coordinated crackdown massacre on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the guardianship of Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

"Tens of students were brutally killed by the Nigerian Army and hundreds more are still under illegal detentions.‬

‪“This is a display of inhumane and gross violation of fundamental human rights against fellow Nigerian Citizens. Based on the list that the Islamic Movement compiled, 750 men and women are either in military detentions or murdered.‬

“Amongst them are dozens of students, excluding the 220 others that are presently in Kaduna languishing with gun shots injuries without medical treatment.

"Did Some of shi'ites children killed in 2014 by the same Army also blocked way? Does the house of Shaikh Zakzaky that was set on fire with people inside and later demolished blocked way?‬

“We are calling for the immediate release of and his wife as well as all others in detention. The perpetrators of these demonic acts be brought to book for the crime against humanity we demand Justice right now." He said.‬

‪The protesters move around the kaduna metropolis displaying placards calling for the release of their leader. The protest end up peacefully.

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