Members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), known as ‘Shi’ites’ in Bauchi state have accused the federal government of plotting to kill their leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-zakzaky.
The group says the refusal of the federal government to release their leader suggests FG ‘wants him to die in detention’.
A disciple of the religious preacher and national president association of shi’ite singers called ‘ Ittihadus Shu’ara Harakatil Islamiyya’, Malam Mustafa Umar Gadonkaya made the allegation over the weekend during the lunching of 100 songs in solidarity of the detained sheikh composed by the association.
Gadonkaya recalled that their leader was arrested and held by security agents since December 2015, accusing the federal government of defying court orders waving for his release after meeting abil conditions.
He also said the federal government also ignored court ruling granting the sect payment of compensation and reconstruction of their demolished buildings during the encounter between the sect members and the Nigerian Army four years ago in Zaria, Kaduna state.
“It is known by everyone that our leader sued the government over human right violation and a federal high court in Abuja ordered his release, reconstruction of his demolished residence and payment of compensation. “But the government has disregard for courts and refused to obey the court order. “What kind of injustice is this?
“At the moment, everyone knows that he is very ill as a result of the gunshots he sustained but these people still keep him in detention despite his ill-health. So if anything happens to him, government will be held responsible.
“Aside their disobedience to the court, the federal government however accepted the request of kaduna state government to hand him over to it for prosecution over some baseless accusations. Their motive is to continue to hold him until he dies in detention”, he alleged.
Gadonkaya called for an unconditional release of their leader, warning that the group will continue to protest until FG yields to their demands.
