The case against two complainants, Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Mallimah is set to kick off on the 31st of March 2021. The two were accused of disrupting peace in the country as they led an infamous Islamic Movement. The IHCR chairman, Massoud Shadjareh, is concerned over the resumption considering the two culprits are not in good health. Mrs. Mallimah tested positive for the novel virus while Sheikh’s health continues to deteriorate.
Mr. Shadjareh demanded the immediate release of the couple and dismissal of the case. Similarly, Zakzaky enthusiasts had also organized peaceful demonstrations pledging the release of their leader and his wife. Unfortunately, officers dispersed them in a violent ambush.
The Trial
The case against Zakzaky commenced on Monday 8th, at Kaduna court, with the prosecutors ready with witnesses and a new bunch of evidence. The hearing kicked off at 11:30 am, and the prosecutor presented the three witnesses. However, the jury decided to adjourn the case until the 31st of March. As such, the prosecution promised to bring forward one of its witnesses come to the new date.
Chris Umar, solicitor general of Kaduna state, remarked that he is looking forward to the prosecution closing the case and the defense appealing if need be.
Meanwhile, while talking to the media, the defense attorney, Mr. Femi Falana, condemned the Nigerian authority’s unjustness. He rebuked the court for arraigning the Shiite soldiers over alleged accusations and not taking any action for the Shiites who died.
“Again today, it was admitted that whereas about 223 Shiite who was charged, who was arraigned in three different courts for allegedly killing a soldier have been discharged and acquitted. But the 347 Shiites who died, nobody has been prosecuted in any court.”
“The items that were recovered or submitted handed over to the police by the soldiers, but the officers who handed them over to the police didn’t give evidence. So, we didn’t have any objection.”
Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife have been in detention since December 2015, and they have been charged with multiple violations. Culpable homicide, disruption of the public peace, and even unlawful assembly. His supporters allege he has suffered two minor strokes and is in danger of losing his sight.
Why Was Sheikh’s Movement Banned?
Decades ago, Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife formulated the Islam Movement in Nigeria. The latter was a platform to condemn unlawful treatments Muslims underwent in Nigeria. However, around July 2015, the government decided to ban the uprising after the IMN had organized months of protests, resulting in the violent clash between the protesters and police.
Many people lost their lives during the clash, a senior police officer and journalist being among the deceased. According to President Buhari, a group of extremists had taken over the protests and incited chaos. State police detained several people after storming IMN headquarters. About 350 IMN followers died as they attempted to escape. Sheikh Zakzaky was among the people arrested during the operation. The Human Rights Organizations took to condemning the state police for forced use of power on the civilians.
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