Arraignment of El-Zakzaky, wife grounds business activities in Kaduna

Business activities were grounded yesterday, as several shops in Kaduna remained closed, while many people stayed indoors, following the arraignment of Shiites leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zinat at the state High Court.

Fear gripped the people in Kaduna in response to continuing protests and demonstrations by supporters of El-Zakzaky, which have turned increasingly violent.

Besides, El-Zakzaky and his wife were arraigned at the High Court where they are facing charges of culpable homicide, amid heavy security presence.

Major roads and highways in Kaduna metropolis were manned by armed police, with lorry loads of armed security men patrolling the city to prevent violent protests by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

A resident of Ahmadu Bello Way told journalists that previous experiences have taught them to avoid taking a risk anytime El Zakzaky’s case comes for hearing in court.

Besides, the court adjourned hearing in the application for permission to travel to India for medical attention filed by El-Zakzaky and Zinat to July 29, 2019.

They were seeking to travel for medical attention in view of their failing health condition while in detention.

State Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Dari Bayero, who briefed journalists after the hearing, said the adjournment followed an application by the counsel prosecuting the IMN leader.

He said the team requested more time to examine the medical reports that accompanied the application to verify its genuineness before arguing the matter in court.

Justice Darius Khobo granted the request and adjourned till July 29 to allow more time for counsel to prosecute the case.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Yoruba Youth Council (PYYC) has cautioned members of IMN against further protests in Lagos State and the southwest region.

Speaking in Lagos, National Chairman of the group, Dayo Jacob, accused some politicians as being behind the activities of the sect, saying: “IMN must explore peaceful means of expressing their grievances if they are indeed genuine.

“As a group dedicated to sustaining the ideals of the Oduduwa empire, we have reviewed the sudden resurgence of violent tendencies by the Shiites members with a view to ascertaining the motives behind their actions and putting issues in their proper perspectives.”