TheCable

A Kaduna state high court has vacated the order it made directing the state correctional service to release Zeenat, wife of Ibraheem El–Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), for COVID-19 treatment.

Gideon Kurada, the judge, on Tuesday ordered Zeenat’s release after Femi Falana, her counsel, presented a medical report asking the court to allow his client seek medical treatment outside the correctional centre according to measures put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

However, on Thursday, the court revoked the order after an oral application made by H.G. Magashi from the chambers of Falana who claimed that the defendant has regained her health.

“Upon an oral application moved by H.G. Magashi, Esq. holding the brief of Femi Falana, Esq. SAN of counsel for the 1 defendant and of Edwin Inegedu, Esq. of counsel for the 2nd defendant applying for an order vacating an earlier order made on 26th January 2021 for 2nd defendant to be taken to a government hospital for treatment. The situation has changed as the 2nd defendant regained her good health and the unfettered access to medical facilities granted her by the correctional services centre, Kaduna,” the judge said.

“It is hereby ordered that the application is granted and the order of court made on 26 January 2021 is hereby vacated.”

Speaking with TheCable, Marshal Abubakar, also a member of the defendant’s legal team, said Zeenat’s response to treatment necessitated the application for a revocation of the previous court order.

He said she is still in isolation and receiving medical attention from her personal doctors in collaboration with some Kaduna state doctors within the prison facility.

El-Zakzaky and his wife have been in detention since 2015 after his followers clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna.

The IMN leader is standing trial for alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace.