El-Zakzaky: Trial suffers set back as judge was not in court

THE trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat on Thursday suffers set back as the presiding judge, Justice Gideon Kurada of a Kaduna High Court was not in court.

It was gathered that as early as 7 am all the major roads leading to the court was blocked by the presence of heavy security.

Even journalists were prevented from gaining access to the court as well as people interested in witnessing the proceedings at the court.

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It will be recalled that the leader of the Shiites sect and his wife were arraigned over alleged conspiracy, culpable homicide and other related offences by the Kaduna state government.

Speaking with journalists at the court premises, Counsel to El-Zakzaky, Femi Falana remarked that the absence of the trial judge stalled his client arraignment in court today (Thursday).

However, he said both the defence and prosecution counsels had picked July, 11 for the next sitting.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified following the clash between the Shiites and the police on Wednesday.

Investigation revealed that police and other security personnel had been deployed to strategic places in the state capital in order to prevent the possible break down of law and order.