At the resumed hearing of Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky’s trial, the Kaduna State High Court ordered Nigeria’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Security (DSS), to hand over custody of the cleric to the Nigerian Correctional Service. RNA - This followed a formal application to this effect by the prosecution which also gave reasons for the application.
Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky was not in court on Thursday where members of his defense team complained that the DSS has prevented them from seeing Sheikh Zakzaky since he came back from a medical trip to India in August.
They wondered how they can represent a client if they are rejected access to him.
Zakzaky’s defense team had tried to prevent his movement to the prison.
According to Press TV, Sheikh Zakzaky has been in detention for close to four years despite a December 2016 Federal High court Abuja ruling ordering his release. Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria say the Nigerian government has turned a deaf ear to all protests calling for the cleric’s release.
The trial of Sheikh Zakzaky is expected to continue on February 6, 2020. The cleric’s supporters say authorities should speed up the proceedings due to Sheikh Zakzaky’s deteriorating health.
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