Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) under the umbrella of the ‘Save Zakzaky’s Life Group’ have threatened to occupy Abuja in thousands if their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, is not released.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Malam Bashir Mafara, also accused the Muhammadu Buhari-led government of conspiring with foreign and international allies to wipe out the movement.

The group further observed that there is a deliberate and calculated delay by the Nigerian Government to release Zakzaky, who has been in detention without trial since December 2015, after the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IMN.

He added: “At this point, SHAIK ZAKZAKY’S LIFE GROUP OF NIGERIA, after a carefully and sensitive analysis, has realised that Buhari’s government is deliberately frustrating the life of Shaik Zakzaky in custody, with its worrisome hidden agenda; if not, why not release him to go for a proper medical examination?; why not take him to the court of law?; why are you violating the rule of law?”

The group called on President Muhammad Buhari’s government to release Zakzaky unconditionally within two weeks from yesterday, Wednesday, September 19, 2016, warning: “At the expiration of the deadline and without the release of Zakzaky, members of the movement, including men, women and children, would storm Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, for a peaceful and well organised “SIT AROUND”, and we would not leave until our leader, Zakzaky is unconditionally released.”

•Adapted from a Daily Trust report. Photo shows Nigerian Shiites during a procession.

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