Islamic leader denied bail

The Kaduna High Court has rejected a bail application by Ibraheem El Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, and his unidentified wife. Justice Gideon Kurada said the accused persons have not shown any substantial medical evidence to receive bail, but ordered that they should remain in the custody of the Department of State Services throughout their trial. The Vanguard reports that the couple is facing charges of murder, culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and the disruption of public peace, among other charges. El-Zakzaky and his wife were first arraigned on 15 May, following their arrest in Zaria in December 2015. The matter has been adjourned to 22 January for an ‘accelerated hearing’.