Zaria massacre: Again, Shiite sect shun panel of inquiry

For the second time in three days, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiite sect) refused to show up at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Shi’ite sect in Zaria, Kaduna, in December 2015.

During the initial sitting of the panel on Monday, the Islamic sect failed to send its representatives, on the grounds that they must consult their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been custody since he was arrested subsequent to the clash.

Consequently, the commission’s counsel had adjourned till Wednesday to give the Shiite sect the opportunity of reaching its leader and appointing representatives to face the commission.

But at the resumption of sitting on Wednesday, at the General Hassan Katsina State House today, the situation remained unchanged.

Counsel to Shiite, Barrister Maxwell Kyon, informed the Panel of Inquiry that they were yet to have access to El-Zakzaky in order to give directive for appearance.

Kyon begged the commission for two weeks adjournment to enable him get access to his client.

However, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba chose to give the Shiite members till Monday, February 29, to endeavour to get access to El-Zakzaky.

“We are adjourning till February 29, to enable you get access to your client, and whether you get access to him or not, you have to report back to the Commission so that we can continue with the proceedings,” the Panel Chairman said.

Speaking to journalists after the adjournment of sitting, Barrister Kyon said El-Zakzaky is in the custody of the Directorate of the State Security.

He said the Nigerian police and other security agencies are making it difficult for him to see the Shiite leader.

Over 300 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria were reported to have been killed in a clash that also led to the destruction of the sect’s headquarters in Zaria, Kaduna.

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