TheCable

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ia sect, has challenged the federal government to arraign Ibrahim Zakzaky, its leader, in court, warning that “it will be a tragedy of monumental proportions” if he goes blind in custody.

Zakzaky has been in detention since December when some of his followers clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna state.

Many Shi’ites, including Zakzaky’s children were killed, while some are serving different sentences.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, Ibrahim Musa, spokesman of the sect, demanded the immediate release of Zakzaky.

“We demand that our leader and his wife be released unconditionally without delay. It will be a tragedy of monumental proportions should our leader go blind in detention or suffer further physical disability due to him being denied access to adequate medical attention,” the statement read.

“We understand those that sanctioned his detention and those detaining him want to humiliate him and make sure that he goes completely blind before he is eventually released, thereby rendering him powerless the moment he is released from unconstitutional and illegal detention.

“The health of our leader and the wife continues to deteriorate on a daily basis and those holding him in custody are playing politics with his detention and that of his wife.

“We urge the Nigerian people and the international community to intervene in this crude violation of the fundamental rights of our leader.”