ON EL-ZAKZAKY’S CONTINUED DETENTION - THISDAYLIVE via thisdaylive
Despite the recent sensational claim by the federal government that it spends about N3.5 million monthly to feed Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria , detained since December 2015, his supporters continue to hold repeated protests in Abuja, demanding his release. As we have argued in the past, the government must be mindful of the security implications of such a man, illegally detained, dying in confinement.
It is indeed instructive that on 2nd December 2016, Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the release of El-Zakzaky and his wife, pointing out that their perpetual detention was not only a violation of the law but also portended huge danger for the country. He warned that “if the applicant dies in custody…it could result in many needless deaths.” Against this backdrop, the judge ordered their release within 45 days.