Shiites Clash: Counsel wants Kaduna Government to prosecute killers Of 347

On the heels of the submission of the report on the bloody clash between Soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) to Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commission of Inquiry, counsel of the Shiites, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded the immediate prosecution of culprits.

Falana argued that military officers and soldiers who allegedly engaged in the killings of the 347 Shiites members in Zaria between 12th and 14th December 2015 during the clash should be brought to book.

He lamented that the State Security Service, in Abuja, had detained the Shiites leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, without trial for about eight months.

Turning to Kaduna State government, Falana said: “Take note, if you fail to accede to our clients’ demand we shall not hesitate to apply to the High Court of Kaduna State for an order of mandamus to compel you to discharge your constitutional duty by charging the indicted culprits to court in line with your oath of office to do right to all manners of people…”

While pouring his anger on the state government, the Senior Advocate expressed worry over the delay in prosecuting the soldiers that allegedly shot the victims of the clash in a letter he wrote to the Kaduna State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Part of the letter read: “The Federal Government was embarrassed by the unlawful killing of the 34 members of the IMN by the army. In the circumstances, the National Human Rights Commission expressed condolence and tendered a public apology to the bereaved families on behalf of the federal government.

“But despite the official apology, the Kaduna state government did not prosecute the suspects who perpetrated the unlawful killing. At the material time, Mr. Nasir El Rufai publicly condemned the brutal killing and paid a condolence visit to the IMN leader in his residence”.

“On December 12, 2015, platoons of the Nigerian army unleashed mayhem on the members of the IMN on the ground that they had plotted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai. The spurious allegation was not reported to the Police. Equally not brought to the attention of the Police was the allegation that the IMN had blocked a road in Zaria which affected the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff”. (The Guardian)

•Photo shows Femi Falana.

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