Bail Application: El-Zakzaky to know fate today
The Kaduna State High Court will rule on the bail application filed by the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat.
This comes one week after the Justice Darius Khobo adjourned till August 5 after listening to the submissions from parties involved in the matter.
A human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, had filed the application on behalf of his clients on July 18.
They are seeking permission to travel abroad for further medical treatment following the health condition of the Shiites’ leader.
At the resumed hearing on Monday last week, Falana told Justice Khobo that his clients were not in court due to their bad health condition.
He said the health condition of his clients was getting worse by the day, adding that only a foreign medical treatment was required to stabilise them to enable them face the main trial.
On his part, the prosecuting counsel Debris Bayero opposed the bail application, saying El-Zakzaky’s medical condition can be treated in the country.
He informed the court that there was no need to release the Shiites’ leader on bail to travel abroad.
El-Zakzaky and his wife are facing an eight-count of culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, disturbance of public peace.
The charges were filed against them by the Kaduna State Government and the duo were first arraigned in May 2018.
Ahead of today’s sitting, the Kaduna State Police Command gave assurance that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free court process.
It also vowed to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempt to violate the ban on all forms of processions and demonstrations across the state.
According to the command, there will be traffic diversion in some areas during the court session, including Independence Way, Bida Road and all other roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road where the court is located.
The police urged the residents to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in the town.