Malami Explains Why El-Zakzaky Remains In Detention

After the long-overdue releases of  Sowore and Dasuki, the question of the release of El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, has been on the lips of many Nigerians.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) said that Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, both in detention, have not been released because they were under prosecution by a state government.

In a statement made by the AGF's spokesman, Dr. Umar Gwandu, who quoted his boss while speaking to the the BBC Hausa, and the Voice of America Hausa team.

Giving the reason why El-Zakzaky and his wife were yet to be released, Malami said, “The Federal Government does not interfere with the cases that are being prosecuted by a state government.

“El-Zakzaky and his wife are being prosecuted by the Kaduna State government on charges of murder.”

He touched on the releases of Sowore and Dasuki, saying that the duo were released on compassionate grounds by the Federal Government, maintaining the view that they were not released because the government was under any sort of pressure by international media.

“The only reasons for the release of Omoyele Sowore and Sambo Dasuki revolved around our commitment to the rule of law, obedience to court orders and compassionate grounds.

“It is important to understand the fact that as far as the law is concerned and in relation to the Nigerian justice system, one has multiple options after a court has ruled on a matter,” he said.