The trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zinat has been adjourned indefinitely by a Kaduna State High Court on Monday.
The trial Judge, Justice Gideon Kurada, adjourned the case due to his appointment to serve as a judge in the Presidential and National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal in Yobe.
El-Zakzaky and wife, who have been in custody since December 2015, were dragged to the state high court for culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace, among others.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the adjournment, lead counsel to the defendants, Femi Falana (SAN) said, the case was adjourned because Justice Kurada is serving as a judge in election petition tribunal.
The Senior Advocate said aside absence of the trial Judge, Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife Zinat, were in dire need of medical attention, the reason they could not appear in court.
He alleged that the IMN leader and his wife had not been given adequate medical care since Dec. 14, 2015, when they were detained.
According to him, “So the Court has adjourned Sine die, meaning indefinitely. My clients are yet to access any form of medical attention even after the court had ordered so.
“The Case had to be adjourned as both my clients need time to attend to their health.” Falana said.
