No talks with FG on Zakzaky’s release – Falana

The counsel to the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday said there was no negotiation with the federal government for the release of the detained leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

Falana told Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who asked whether there were moves for an out-of-court-settlement, that his client had nothing to negotiate since he and his wife had not been charged with any offence.

“They committed no offence, nobody has charged them to any court. They have lost their houses, three of their children and 347 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. We are not aware of any settlement,” he said.

The federal government, which was not represented in court, had in a counter affidavit by its counsel, Tijjani Gazalli, claimed that Zakzaky was being held in protective custody because he could be attacked by aggrieved residents of Gyallesu community, Zaria, Kaduna State, the spiritual headquarters of the sect.

But Falana and Festus Okoye, who filed the fundamental rights enforcement application, contended that he was being held against his wish.

Due to the absence of the federal government’s counsel, Justice Kolawole adjourned the suit to September 20.