Zaria massacre: Shiite members shun panel of inquiry

Shiite protest zakzaky

FILE PHOTO: A demonstration staged in northern Nigeria, calling for the release of Ibrahim Zakzaky, depicted here on a banner in Kano, who was detained following a military crackdown on his followers ©Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File)

Femi Adi/Kaduna

FILE PHOTO: A demonstration staged in northern Nigeria, calling for the release of Ibrahim Zakzaky, depicted here on a banner in Kano, who was detained following a military crackdown on his followers ©Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File)
FILE PHOTO: A demonstration staged in northern Nigeria, calling for the release of Ibrahim Zakzaky, depicted here on a banner in Kano, who was detained following a military crackdown on his followers ©Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File)

Shiite members on Monday refused to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which hearing in Kaduna on the Zaria army/Shiite sect clash that left over sixty persons killed and several others injured.

The Commission of Inquiry was set up by Kaduna State government to look into the immediate and remote causeS of the Zaria clash.

As early as 9a.m., the members of 13-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba, were at the Hassan Katsina State House, Kaduna to listen to parties involved in the Zaria clash case, only to hear that the Shiite through a letter written to the commission said they would appear only if they have access to their leader, Shiekh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who will give them order to either appear or not.

However, the General Officer Commanding , GOC, 1 Mechanised Division, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, appeared for army alongside other senior army officers.

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Addressing the sitting, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba, said, “This sitting has to be adjourned till Wednesday because of the absence of one party involved in the inquiry.”

Garba told counsel to the commission, Yusuf Ali (SAN) to find out the whereabouts of the Shiite leader, Zakzaky and report back to the commission within 24 hours.

According to the chairman, it is required by law for every party in the clash to be present at all the sittings of the proceedings.

Meanwhile , Islamic Movement had before now faulted the 13-man composition of the panel, saying some of its members are already against the Movement.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the adjournment, Yusuf Ali promised to locate the leader of the Shiites within 24 hours to enable his lawyers get access to him.

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