The Kaduna State High Court has fixed October 4 to rule on the bail application of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Justice Gideon Kurada fixed the date following the arraignment of the Shiite leader and his wife, Zeenat El-Zakzaky, by the state government on Thursday in the state capital.
They are standing trial before the judge over allegations of culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace, among other charges.
At today’s proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Maxwell Kyon, formerly moved his application for the bail of his clients.
But the state government represented by the Solicitor-General, Chris Umar, filed a counter motion, asking the trial judge not to grant the accused persons bail.
Justice Kurada after listening to arguments by both counsels adopted their written applications and, thereafter, adjourned till October 4 for ruling on the matter.
Although El-Zakzaky and his wife were absent for the proceedings, there was a heavy presence of security operatives in and around the court premises.
The security operatives also mounted roadblocks on major routes leading to the court along the Independence Way in the state capital, causing a heavy traffic, just as reporters were denied entry into the court premises.
El-Zakzaky and his wife were first arraigned on May 15, but the court had adjourned the hearing on the application for their bail till June 21.
The matter could not be heard as scheduled due to the absence of the judge and the case was subsequently adjourned till July 11, for the continuation of hearing on their bail application.
