A Kaduna State High Court on Wednesday declined to grant bail to the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, and his wife.
In his ruling, Justice Gideon Kurada said the 65-year-old Shiite leader and his wife had not provided sufficient medical evidence in their written application to warrant getting a bail.
The judge thereby ordered that the two accused persons should remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) throughout the period of their trial.
El-Zakzaky is facing trial for alleged murder, culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and disruption of public peace, among other charges.
The IMN and his wife were first arraigned on May 15, 2018, following their arrest in Zaria, in December 2015.
When the matter came up for hearing on October 4, 2018, the presiding judge, Justice Gideon Kurada adjourned his ruling on their bail application to November 7, 2018 due to the absence of the IMN leader and his wife in court as a result of the visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to the state on that date.
The matter has been adjourned to January 22, 2019, for accelerated hearing.
El-Zakzaky’s continued detention has led to protests by his followers who have clashed with soldiers and policemen resulting in heavy casualties among sect members.
