By Kenneth Atavti
A Kaduna High Court today rejected the bail application of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife.
The bail application which was premised on health ground was turned down by the presiding judge who said there are enough Medical Doctors around to take care of his health needs should the need arises.
This was made known to newsmen by the state prosecutor Dari Bayero after the sitting of the court as newsmen were not allowed into the court room.
Consequently, the court has adjourned the case to 22 January, 2019 for what it termed as ‘speedy trial’ of the Sheikh and three others.
In the sitting, five count charges were read to the accused and his wife who were in attendance.
The Sheikh however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Barrister Haruna Magashi, one of the lawyers of the Sheikh told newsmen that they will study the court’s judgment on their bail application for their client and determine the next course of action.
Meanwhile, reacting to the refusal of the court to grant the Sheikh bail, Ibrahim Musa, President Media Forum of IMN said, “We are disappointed with the courts’ decision, because it should have considered his failing health.”
“Secondly, it shows that the government is not ready to listen to us, well-meaning Nigerians and the international community that our leader should be set free as ordered by another federal high court.” he said.
Therefore we will keep on with our protests in Abuja and other cities insha Allah.” he added.
As usual Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Malama Zeenah Ibrahim were brought to court early in the morning amidst tight security while major routes leading to the court were all barricaded with vehicular and other forms of movement restricted on these routes.
The Islamic leader and his wife are to remain in custody till the next adjourned date.
