More Crisis Looms as Prominent Follower of Shiites Leader, Zakzaky Dies in Custody

 

One of the followers of Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, identified as Abbas Isiyaku, who was one of those arrested after the December clash involving IMN members and some soldiers in Zaria, has died in prison custody.

 

The state prosecutor, Dari Bayero, informed the Kaduna state high court, of the death of Isiyaku on Wednesday, telling the presiding judge, David Wyoms, to strike out the name of the deceased from the list of the 91 persons charged facing death sentence for "culpable homicide".

 

Bayero said, "Before your Lordship is a charge under sections 97, 221, 102,106 and 256 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna state for mention. Before we start, I apply that the name of Abbas Isiyaku be struck off the list."

 

It was reported that 266 Shiites were arrested after the clash. While 256 are facing charges including death sentence, 10 others have been arraigned in different courts in the state.

 

The leader of the sect, Ibrahim Zakzaky is still in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been held since last year.