Cleric in court over deadly clashes

A pro-Iranian cleric, who has been in Nigerian custody since 2015 after clashes between troops and his followers, has made a rare public appearance in court to face criminal charges. A report on the News24 site notes that Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife were brought from Abuja to the Kaduna State High Court to face charges including culpable homicide and unlawful assembly. Despite court orders that he should be released, Zakzaky has been detained since December 2015 when the bloody clashes broke out in the northern city of Zaria. ‘His health has been fading and if you had an opportunity to see him today it is obvious and clear,’ Zakzaky's lawyer Maxwell Kyon reportedly told AFP. Zakzaky was supposed to formally be charged but because other defendants were not present the case was adjourned until 21 June.

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