The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite sect, on Wednesday staged a protest calling for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El Zakzaky as ordered by the court.

The Abuja Federal High Court in December 2016 gave the Nigerian government an ultimatum of 45 days to ensure the release of the sect leader.

The 45-day deadline expired on Monday, January 16.

Speaking to newsmen during a march in Abuja, Convener of the group, Abubakar Bugawa‎ said “The Sheikh has been unlawfully held under deteriorating health condition and gunshot wounds which he sustained during the massive onslaught to his residence in Zaria.”

He added that the arbitrary and unreasonable detention of the IMN followers smacks of Government’s highhandedness in a democratic setting, which ought to be governed in conformity with the rule of law and good governance.

Kamara also noted that the government in Nigeria could extend Zakzaky’s detention on trumped-up charges in a bid to justify the crackdown on IMN members in Zaria in Kaduna State.

The protest follows days after Human rights agency, Amnesty International called for the release of the sect leader alongside other members of the sect still in detention.

Zakzaky, who leads the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), was arrested more than a year ago during raids by the Nigerian army on peaceful gatherings of IMN members in the northern city of Zaria.

Human rights groups say nearly 350 Shiite members were killed in the army raids. The Nigerian military has rejected the death toll. (TV360 Nigeria)

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