Absence Of Judge Stalls El-Zakzaky’s Trial
The absence of Justice Gideon Kurada of a Kaduna High Court on Thursday staled the arraignment of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky; and his wife, Zeenat, over alleged culpable homicide.
The Kaduna State Government had brought eight charge against the IMN leader and his wife.
They are being charged for alleged conspiracy, abating culpable homicide and other related offences.
Journalists were, however, stopped by the Police from entering the court for the proceedings.
El- Zakzaky’s counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the News Agency of Nigeria that the judge was “unavoidably absent” to take the case.
He said both the prosecuting and defence counsels have decided and picked July 11 as the next adjourned date.
Falana decried the action of Police stopping journalists and commuters who were interested in the case from witnessing the proceedings.
He said that there was no law in the country which stops people from witnessing the proceedings of a trial of any citizen.
NAN reports that on May 15, el-Zakzaky and his wife were brought to court for arraignment.
The prosecuting counsel, Dari Bayero, however, asked for more time to enable the prosecution serve the two other persons standing trial with the Shiite’s leader.
(NAN)
