Federal High Court Orders Unconditional Release Of El-Zakzaky And His Wife, Fines FG N50 million as general damages

The embattled spiritual leader Shiites sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention with his wife, Zeatudden, have been ordered to be released by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, ordered the government to free the duo unconditionally within 45 days.

They have been in custody for one year following their arrest after a El-Zakzaky followers clashed with the military in Zaria, north central Kaduna state, causing the death of more than 300 Shiites.

The court also ordered the Federal Government to provide a new accommodation for El-Zakzaky in Zaria or any northern town of his choice.


The court also awarded El-Zakzaky and his wife N50 million as general damages

The court made the order while delivering judgment on a fundamental right enforcement suit El-Zakzaky filed against the government.

Nigerian Army denies killing 350 Shi’ite members, charges Amnesty International to provide evidence

The Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar has denied reports by the Amnesty International that soldiers killed several Shiite members during a clash between the army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, also known as the Shiite sect.

The military, which has been repeatedly accused of abuses against civilians in its fight against Muslim jihadists, Boko Haram, has maintained its troops acted appropriately.

Abubakar described the report by Amnesty International as “unfair,” stressing that the Nigerian military was not consulted before such publication was carried out.