Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria returned to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday to protest the continued incarceration of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
The Shiites said it has been 366 days that they began the protests against their leader’s incarceration, as the government continues to rebuff all court orders for his release.
The protesters who massed at the high brow Asokoro area of Abuja, marched through the streets of residential areas of T.Y. Danjuma and other adjourning streets and later assembled at the ever-busy commercial area of A.Y.A. junction leading to Karu, chanting songs of freedom and displaying placards and banners bearing different inscriptions in solidarity with their leader.
The group expressed fear over the health of El-Zazaky and his wife and demanded their immediate release to enable them to seek proper medical attention.
The Shiite members also drew attention to a series of court orders made for the freedom of the Shi’ite leader but which the government has rebuffed.
The strained relationship between members of the Islamic Movement and the nation’s security agencies has not only sparked domestic protest and international condemnation but mixed feelings among Nigerians.
Sheik El-Zakzaky has been in detention since 2015 and his followers have been demanding for his release since January 8, 2018, following three court orders to release the Shiite leader.
