Business and commercial
activities were paralysed in Kaduna on Wednesday following the resumed trial of
Ibraheem Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
Shops, offices, banks and schools
in the city centre were closed as residents stayed away for fear of outbreak of
violence.
On Tuesday, messages were
circulated on the possibility of the cleric follower’s causing trouble during
his arraignment at the state high court.
Armed security personnel took
over major streets around the city. Security operatives were stationed around
Lagos roundabout, Ahmadu Bello Way, Independence Way, Yakubu Gowon Way, Ibrahim
Taiwo Road, Bida Road among other roads leading to the court.
Vehicular movements were
restricted on these roads while commuters, especially civil servants, who
trekked were subjected to thorough screening.
At the court, security operatives
also restricted movement. Only a few journalists were given access.
The absence of judge handling the
case led to the adjournment of the bail application till August.
Zakzaky has been in detention
since December 2015 when members of IMN also known as Shi’ites, clashed with
soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna state.
IMN has held a series of protests
over the continued detention of their leader despite an order of the federal
high court, Abuja, granting him bail.
The court also awarded him and
his wife N27 million each – sums to be paid by the federal government.
On May 15, the IMN leader and
Zeenat, his wife, were arraigned on an eight-count bordering on culpable
homicide, unlawful assembly, and disturbance of public peace.
The Kaduna state government filed
the charges.
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