By David Olalekan.
The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay has advised the Federal Government to release the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, instead of detaining him needlessly.
Sagay warned that the continued detention of El-Zakzaky would further upset the society and cause unnecessary tension, adding that except there was something unknown to the public warranting his prolonged incarceration, the Sheik should be released.
Prof. Sagay said, “I have already expressed this opinion almost a year ago that in the absence of anything that I know, apart from the fact that everybody is aware of, I think the best option is to release him, even if it is on bail.
“That is better instead of keeping him there and using him as an attraction for these gatherings that are disrupting everywhere and creating a level of anger and emotions that can upset the society and create unnecessary tension.
“Except if there is something we don’t know, I really don’t see why he is being kept for all these years. That is my sincere view.”
Ibrahim El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in December 2015 on charges bordering on culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace.