As the trial of Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), and his wife resumes this Wednesday, the state Government has shut down Kaduna and its environs to prevent demonstrations by his members.
Security operatives, including police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), were on red alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Going by the trial at the court, sitting in the state capital, all roads leading to Kaduna central market, Kawo, Angwan Rimi were blocked by police vehicles, while fierce-looking security officers were posted to strategic places.
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Shops, offices, were under lock and key as shop owners, who managed to come, were seen discussing insecurity bedeviling the state and country in groups.
Roadside hawkers as well as vehicular movement were all restricted.
Sheik El-Zakzaky was arrested in Zaria on December 15th 2015, after a clash between his followers and convoy of the Chief of Army Staff led to a follow-up preemptive raid on his enclave in Gyellesu, Zaria.
The Federal High Court in Abuja in December 2016 ordered his release following which the Kaduna state government arraigned him on eight charges bordering on unlawful assembly and disruption of public peace and the alleged murder of one corporal Yakubu Dan Kaduna who was said to be part of the clash that led to the leader’s arrest.
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The trial of the IMN leader and his wife began On Wednesday November 18th 2020.
