Court voids order releasing El-Zakzaky’s wife for COVID-19 treatment

Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-and-wife-Zeenat

A Kaduna State High Court has voided its Tuesday order directing the state correctional service to release Zeenat El–Zakzaky, wife of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Ibraheem El–Zakzaky, for COVID-19 treatment.

Ruling on Thursday, Justice Gideon Kurada revoked the order following an oral application made by H.G. Magashi from the chambers of Femi Falana, the defendants’ counsel, who claimed that Mrs El–Zakzaky had regained her health.

“Upon an oral application moved by H.G. Magashi, Esq. holding the brief of Femi Falana, Esq. SAN of counsel for the 1 defendant and of Edwin Inegedu, Esq. of counsel for the 2nd defendant applying for an order vacating an earlier order made on 26th January 2021 for 2nd defendant to be taken to a government hospital for treatment. The situation has changed as the 2nd defendant regained her good health and the unfettered access to medical facilities granted her by the correctional services centre, Kaduna,” the judge said.

“It is hereby ordered that the application is granted and the order of court made on 26 January 2021 is hereby vacated.”

El-Zakzaky and his wife have been in detention since 2015 after his followers clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna.

They are standing trial for alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace.