Shiite Leader, El-Zakzaky Charged With Murder

Shiite leader, El-Zakzaky who has been in custody since 2015 has been charged with murder by the government.

Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

Detained leader of Nigeria’s Shiite group, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, has been charged with murder amid growing street protests demanding his release from prolonged detention, Premium Times has reported.

This is coming as El-Zakzaky and his wife have been held by the Nigerian government since December 2015 despite court rulings ordering his release.

The government had claimed that he is held in a “protective custody”. Just last week, his supporters went on rampage in Abuja during a protest calling for his release as they clashed with the polcie.

His lawyer, Femi Falana revealed on Thursday that he has been charged with a fresh eight-count charge, including homicide which is punishable by death.

According to the charge, the alleged offences took place during the December 2015 clash between the IMN and a convoy of Nigeria’s army chief, Tukur Buratai.