Amnesty International has told the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to comply with a High Court order and immediately release the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife from detention.
Mr. El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah Ibraheem, have been in detention without trial for over a year after a clash between his supporters and the Nigerian military. Soldiers had slaughtered hundreds of Shiitte men, women and children.
The Nigerian government say they are being held in “protective custody”.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled on 2 December 2016 that Mr. El-Zakzaky and his wife be released within 45 days. The court said their detention, which began in December 2015, was illegal and unconstitutional. The deadline set by the court for their release expires today, Monday, January 16.
“The 45 day deadline given for their release expires today. If the government deliberately disregards the orders of its own courts, it will demonstrate a flagrant – and dangerous – contempt for the rule of law,” said Makmid Kamara, Interim Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
“El-Zakzaky is being unlawfully detained. This might be part of a wider effort to cover up the gruesome crimes committed by members of the security forces in Zaria in December 2015 that left hundreds dead.”
Amnesty International is also calling on the authorities to release other IMN supporters arrested, who likewise remain in detention without charge.
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