El-Zakzaky: Why We Didn't Release Shi'ites' Leader - Buhari Govt

Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has explained why the Buhari government didn’t order the release of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

The AGF spoke in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC on Thursday.

Malami said the case was being prosecuted by the Kaduna State government and as such, the federal government would not interfere.

”The Federal Government won’t interfere in a judicial process that is solely responsible for the state government to take charge of”, the AGF stated.

Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, were released on Tuesday.

Malami advised them to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial “which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land”.

A statement he signed said: “My office has chosen to comply with the court orders while considering the pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order relating to the bail as granted or varied by the courts.

“In line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and in compliance with the bail granted to Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) (as recently varied by the Court of Appeal) and the bail granted to Omoyele Sowore, I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release.

“I wish to reiterate again the utmost regard of my office for the entire judicial structure of Nigeria.

“This administration remains unrelenting in deepening the rule of law and the administration of justice in general.”