UPDATED: Zakzaky vs Kaduna govt: Court adjourns suit to October 4
A Kaduna state High Court has again adjourned the case of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky to October 4, 2018. Counsel to Zakzaky, Maxwell Kyon, who moved for bail as the court sat on Thursday in Kaduna said that they came prepared with their brief, while the government lawyers […]
A Kaduna state High Court has again adjourned the case of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky to October 4, 2018.
Counsel to Zakzaky, Maxwell Kyon, who moved for bail as the court sat on Thursday in Kaduna said that they came prepared with their brief, while the government lawyers also came with theirs but the matter was adjourned to October 4.
He said that they were optimistic that Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, would be granted freedom.
“We have moved application for bail for the first and second accused and are optimistic of getting bail for our clients,” he said.
While fielding questions from newsmen, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, Chris Umar said they have been able to serve the 3rd and 4th accused persons through publications on newspapers.
“Afterwards, if they fail to appear, we have sought the court to issue a bench warrant,” he said.
Meanwhile, major roads in Kaduna were on lock down from 9am when the case was on in court, with heavy presence of joint security operatives.
The roads affected include Independence Way, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ibrahim Taiwo Road and Waff Road.
As recorded in previous court sessions, journalists were again prevented from gaining access to the High Court premises where the case was heard.
Zakzaky, his wife, and two others are being tried for matters related to murder.
In a related development the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has vowed to put up a robust defence at the Court of Appeal if the Kaduna state government refuses to heed to wise counsels by showing empathy to the 100 members of the movement that were discharged and acquitted by Justice Shiri Nyom of the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference today, Lead Counsel to the defendants, Maxwell Kyom Esq said the state government must realise that the law demands that accused persons should be prosecuted and not persecuted.
He noted that the case in court and others that are in court are clear cases of persecution and no government is permitted to use the machinery of government and power of the state to persecute its citizens.
“The workers and students discharged and acquitted should be documented and assisted to regain their positions in the civil service and public service while the students should be placed on scholarship to enable them continue their education,” he said.
He further urged the state government to retrace its steps and withdraw the charges against the remaining members of the movement pending before Justice Hajara Gwada court sitting at NDA.