Alwaght- Whereabouts of spiritual leader of Nigeria's Shiite Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky is unknown several days after the cleric was arraigned before the state High Court, The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) said on Saturday.
The IMN released a statement, saying phone numbers which they used to contact their leader have all been disconnected.
"All the lines of the family members staying with the Sheikh while in detention in Abuja have been switched off," read the statement.
"Followers of the Sheikh are deeply concerned with this latest development because those detaining him have never hidden their intention to see to his demise, had it not been for Allah's protection. This was evident right from the December 2015 Zaria massacre by the Army," it added.
Sheikh Zakzaky Injured and lost his left eyesight after Nigerian Army Attacked His Hussainiya in Zaria, December 2015
Nigerian army in December 2015 assaulted Sheikh Zakzaky's house and a next door Hussainiya, a congregation hall for Shiite commemoration ceremonies, in Zaria city accusing him and his followers of of plotting to assassinate the army chief. During the raid, at least 350 of Zakzaky's followers and three of his sons were killed, while Sheikh, lost his left eyesight, and his wife who sustained serious injuries were detained.
Hundreds of Shiites Were Killed in December 2015 when Nigerian Army Attacked Their Ceremony in Zaria
Some reports put the death toll from Nigerian army's massacre at over 1,000 people. Soldiers buried the bodies in mass graves.
Sheikh Zakzaky Injured and lost his left eyesight after Nigerian Army Attacked His Hussainiya in Zaria, December 2015
The statement went on to call on Nigeria’s State Security Service to at least inform the Sheikh’s family about the 65-year-old cleric's current location, while stressing that the Nigerian government will be held responsible if anything happens to Zakzaky.
Zakzaky’s son also said he had lost contact with his father.
"As of this dawn, I would like to inform all those who may be concerned that I have lost all contact with my parents,” said his Muhammad.
On Tuesday, Zakzaky was transferred to the central state of Kaduna, where he was arraigned before the state High Court along with his wife.
An oral application was moved for bail. But the presiding judge asked him to put his application officially in writing.
The case was adjourned to June 21, 2018 and the Sheikh and his wife were consequently returned to Abuja.
Zakzaky has been detained without trial for over two years over accusations of inciting public disturbances. His movement has vehemently denied the charges.
Despite the ruling of a Federal High Court, which ordered Zakzaky’s unconditional release in 2016, the Nigerian government has refused to set him free.
