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Monday, 22 February 2016

Absence of Shiites Stalls Sitting of Investigative Panel

23e Feb 2016


211014F-Ibrahim-Zakzaky.jpg - 211014F-Ibrahim-Zakzaky.jpg
 Sheikh ‎Ibrahim Zakzaky
The absence of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria ( IMN) otherwise known as Shiites on Monday stalled the inaugural sitting of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna state government to investigate the December 12, 2015 clashes  between the group and the  Nigerian army in Zaria.
At the commencement of the sitting of the commission at the State House, Kawo, Kaduna, the IMN shunned the sitting, saying that it will not submit any memorandum or appear before the panel unless its lawyers were allowed to consult with the leader of the movement, Sheikh ‎Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in detention following his arrest during the incident.
However, the representatives of the Nigerian Army attended the sitting to tell their stories about the incident which claimed many lives.
‎Lawyers to the Shiites were said to have written to the commission, explaining that they could not submit a memorandum without having access to Sheikh Zakzaky who is the only one in a position to brief them. 
‎The chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba, ‎had to adjourned the sitting to Wednesday following the absence of the Shiites and their lawyer.
He also directed the counsel to the commission, Mr Yusuf Ali (SAN), to find out the whereabouts of the Shiite leader and report back to the panel.
‎Justice Garba while addressing members of the panel during the sitting said  “This sitting has to be adjourned till Wednesday because of the absence of one party involved in the inquiry.
“Counsel to the commission, Yusuf Ali (SAN) has been asked to find out the whereabouts of the leader of the Shiites and report back to the commission.”

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