>
The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, was on Tuesday finally arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court, more thN two years after being detained agaonst court orders by the State Security Service (SSS).
He was arraigned by the Kaduna State government amid tight security. He appeared in court alongside his wife, Zeenah.
The Shiite leader was arrested following a clampdown on his supporters who blocked the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, from using a public road.
Over 340 members of the Shiite group were killed by the soldiers in attacks which drew local and international condemnation.
One soldier was also killed during the crisis. El-Zakzaky is being tried over the death of the soldier but no one has been tried for the death of over 340 people.
Journalists, Shiite members and other members of the public that trooped to the court premises were denied entry as the major road leading to the court was cordoned off by armed security officers.
According to Maxwell Kyom, counsel to El-Zakzaky, the Shiite leader tis being charged with unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide punishable with death.
Kyom said the case could not continue because two of the defendants were not in court.
According to him, an oral application was moved for the bail of the cleric and his wife. But the presiding judge, Gideon Kurada, asked him to put his application officially in writing.
The case was adjourned to June 21 by the presiding judge based on application by the prosecutor for them to properly file their statement of claim.