Fresh Rallies in Nigeria to Demand Freedom of Sheikh Zakzaky

Nigerians have held fresh rallies calling on the government to release leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Shaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Early Sunday members of the Nigerians continued their protests in the northern Bauchi state demanding the immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky, his wife Malama Zeenatuddeen Ibrahem and hundreds of his followers who are being detained by the Nigerian government.

The protesters flocked to various streets in the city carrying Zakzaky – embossed placards. The demonstration was entirely peaceful and it was led by the Zakzaky’s representative in Bauchi Malam Ahmad Yashi, who led the procession from the meeting point of Ajiya Mosque to various streets in the city.

According to Malam Yashi, the essence of the protest is to demand the unconditional release of Sheikh Zakzaky who is illegally detained without access to his relatives, followers and well-wishers, and they will not relent protesting unless he is released. The protestors also paid tribute to Muslims killed by Nigerian forces during the Zaria massacre.

On December 12 last year, Nigerian soldiers attacked Islamic Movement members attending a ceremony at a religious center in Zaria town, accusing them of blocking the convoy of the army’s chief of staff and attempting to assassinate him. The IMN members have categorically denied the allegations.
The following day, Nigerian forces also raided Sheikh Zakzaky’s home and arrested him after killing hundreds of Muslims attempting to protect him, including three of Sheikh Zakzaky’s sons, one of the IMN’s senior leaders and its spokesman.