A Federal High Court in Abuja has advised parties in a suit filed by the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, to explore the option of resolving the issue through alternative dispute resolution.

Mr El-Zakzaky had filed a Fundamental Human Rights suit, challenging his arrest and continued detention by the Department of State Service (DSS).

At the resumed hearing of the suit on Wednesday, lawyer to El-Zakzaky, Mr Femi Falana, told the court that his client was being held against his wish without trial since December 14, 2015.

He further claimed that El-Zakzaky was not at the scene of the clash between members of the Islamic Movement and the Nigerian Army on the December 12, 2015.

Lawyer to the DSS, Mr Tijani Ghazali, however, told the court that Mr El-Zakzaky was being held under protective custody due to intelligence report which revealed that his life was under threat.

He added that the service had been taking adequate care of him and had never denied him access to members of his family and legal team.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole, after listening to arguments from both counsel, advised them to explore the option of resolving the issue through alternative dispute resolution.

He, thereafter, adjourned the suit to November 25 for judgment in case the parties were unable to resolve their differences.

Members of the Islamic group have continued to call for the release of their leader, holding several protests since he was taken into custody.

The Shiites had held protests in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Kaduna and Kano among other states.

On September 10 in Kaduna, members of the group, comprising of women, youths and children, gathered at the popular Leventis roundabout in the state capital, demanding for the unconditional release of their leader and other members.

Chanting songs and blocking major roads, the Shiites feared that the health condition of Zakzaky is deteriorating due to gunshot wounds he sustained.

They vow never to rest until their leader and others are freed. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows detained El-Zakzaky.

Update news