Ebun Francis
The Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, has ordered the unconditional release of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the embattled leader of Shiite sect in Nigeria, and his wife, Malama Zeatudden, from detention, within 45 days. The detained cleric and his wife were also awarded Fifty Million Naira in damages by the court.
Justice Kolawole in the judgement also ordered the Federal Government to provide a new accommodation for El-Zakzaky in Zaria or any town of his choice in Northern Nigeria.
The shiite maverik leader has been in detention in an undisclosed location for more than one year after the deadly clash between his followers and members of the Nigerian military which lead to the death of over three thousand members of the shiite group according to the reports of the Judicial panel of enquiry set up by the Kaduna state government. Only yeaterday, sopporters of the shiite leader in their hundreds called for the release of the shiite leader during demostration at the premises of the National Assembly.
Whether the federal government wil be abide by te court ruling and release EL-Zakzaky remains to be seen.
