TheCable

A Kaduna state high court has adjourned the trial of Ibrahim El- Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), till March 31, 2021.

After the court session on Monday which lasted for about four hours amid tight security, Gideon Kurada, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter till March 31 for the prosecution to close its case.

Journalists have always been denied entry into the courtroom during proceedings involving the IMN leader.

Chris Umar, Kaduna state solicitor-general, who spoke to journalists after the court session, said the prosecution has so far presented 14 witnesses, adding that one more witness will be called before they close their case.

Umar also said the court has admitted several items in evidence.

Meanwhile, Femi Falana, counsel to the defendant who also spoke with journalists, said some of the items that were admitted in evidence include, video recordings, dane guns and sim cards.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said his team will open its defence after the prosecution closes its case.

El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, disruption of public peace, among others.

The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The couple have been in detention since 2015, after IMN supporters clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna.