Court denies Zakzaky, wife bail

A Kaduna State High Court has denied the bail application filed by counsel to the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenatu.

Delivering ruling on the bail application yesterday in Kaduna, Justice Gideon Kurada said the accused had not shown any substantial medical evidence to grant them bail in their written application.

The judge, however, ordered that El-Zakzaky and his wife, who were present in court, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services throughout the period of their trial.

He adjourned the matter to January 22, 2019 for accelerated hearing.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command restricted movement in Kaduna metropolis over the El-Zakzaky’s trial.

In a statement yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Yakubu Sabo warned that the ban on all forms of demonstration or processions was still in full force and called on Kaduna residents to beware of their movement.

“In view of the Court Trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Wednesday 7th Nov, 2018, the peace loving and law abiding people of Kaduna State are to note that adequate security has been put in place for a hitch-free court appearance, However, members of the public are advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town.”

Our correspondent reported that there were traffic diversions during the court session along Independence Way, the Bida Road and others leading to the Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna.

Many businesses did not open and workers did not go to their offices for fear of a possible breakdown of law and order.

El-Zakzaky was arrested alongside his wife in December 2015 after members of his group clashed with the Chief of Army Staff’ convoy in Zaria.