Kaduna begins ‘secret trial’ of El-Zakzaky, wife

Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

Kaduna State High Court on Wednesday began the trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Ibrahim El–Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat.

The state government charged El-Zakzaky and Zeenat with eight counts bordering on alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and disruption of the public peace among other charges.

The IMN leader and his wife had on September 29 pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

The state presented two army officers who testified in secret before Justice Gideon Kurada.

Since the testimony was given in secret, El-Zakzaky’s lawyer Femi Falana told newsmen that the case was adjourned until November 19 for continuation of hearing.

“Two witnesses were taken and the trial will continue tomorrow (Thursday). The officers were put under cross-examination and they gave evidence of the operation that lasted between the 12th and the 14th of December 2015, and the role of the military in the operation,” Mr Falana said.

Dari Bayero who led the prosecution did not speak with newsmen.

The court had on September 29 dismissed a no-case submission filed El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat.