FG Reveals Why Shiite group Leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky Is Still In Detention

– FG says it is not willing to disrupt the process of inquiry initiated by the Kaduna state government to investigate the clash between Shiite group and soldiers 

– The govt says El-Zakzaky is getting all the medical attention he requires in prison 


The Nigerian government on Friday, September 16, gave a reason for the continued detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

Speaking during a press briefing at the UN secretariat in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said the Muhammadu Buhari administration is not willing to disrupt the process of inquiry initiated by the Kaduna state government and has decided to allow the full process of the law prevail in the case, Premium Times reports.

It would be recalled that the Kaduna state government recently released the report of a panel its set up to investigate the clash which led to the massacre of over 300 members of the Shiite group by soldiers. And according to Onyeama, the federal government would study the report before making its next move. 

“Government will study it, the Attorney General will look at the report and whatever measure needs to be taken will be taken,” he said in New York.

However, Onyeama stated that the IMN leader was getting the required medical attention, after the Islamic cleric’s lawyer confirmed public rumours that the army had damaged one of his eyes. “As a result of the brutal attack, Sheikh Zakzaky lost his left eye while doctors are currently battling to save the right one,” the lawyer, Femi Falana said on April 5. 

Reacting to this, Onyeama said: “He (El-Zakzaky) is getting all the medical attention he requires. This I can say with certainty.” 

Over 300 members of the IMN were killed between December 12 and 14 after the army accused them of blocking a major highway and plotting to kill the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

Hundreds of members of the sect including its leader, El-Zakzaky, and his wife, were subsequently arrested.   

A Federal High Court in Abuja in July denied an application for bail by El-Zakzaky. 

According to the court, El-Zakzaky and his lawyers failed to seek the leave of the court to hear the application during the vacation period.