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| Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. |
An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on
Friday, ordered the unconditional release of the leader of the Islamic Movement
in Nigeria, IMN, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeatudden, from
detention, within 45 days.
El-Zakzaky has been in the custody of the Department
of State Services, DSS, since December 2015 when Shi’ites, clashed with
Nigerian army in Zaria, Kaduna state.
On Friday,the DSS told the court that El-Zakzaky was being kept in their
custody for his own protection.But the presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, wondered what part of the law allows a person to be held in custody for his own protection.
He asked, “The decision to hold the applicant and his wife for their safety is based on which law?
“I have not been shown any incident report or any complaint lodged by residents around the neighbourhood that the applicant has become a nuisance to his neighbourhood.” Justice Kolawole held.
The judge ordered the DSS to hand Zakzaky and his family over to the police who would guard them at a safe place.
Justice Kolawole also ordered the Federal Government to provide a new accommodation for El-Zakzaky in Zaria or any northern town of his choice.
The presiding judge awarded El-Zakzaky and his
wife N50 million as general damages.
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