Shi’ite leader, El- Zakzaky is being detained in his own interest - DSS says

The Department of State Security DSS, says that the leader of the Shi’ite Islamic group, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is being detained in his own interest. El-Zakzaky was taken into military custody following the clash his members had with the military in Zaria, Kaduna state in December last year. Speaking to newsmen at the hearing of a fundamental rights suit brought by El-Zakzaky against the Federal government before an Abuja court today June 14th, counsel to the DSS, Tijani Gazali, told newsmen that contrary to public opinion, the Muslim cleric was being held in custody at his own will and for his own safety.

“He need not give his consent, but the point is he remains vulnerable and is under protective custody and the job of the DSS is to protect every Nigerian” he said.

However counsel to the Shi’ite leader, Festus Okoye, countered the claim of the DSS, saying that the rights of the cleric has been breached by the DSS.

“They told us that he is being held at his own will, but we are yet to hear that from him. So until we consult him and he says that, then we can confirm it,” Okoye said.

Hearing in the fundamental rights suit has been adjourned to July 13th.