DSS shares why Shi’ites Leader El-Zakzaky is still in Custody

The Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and Shi’ites in the Country is still in government custody for his own safety according to the Department of State Services (DSS).

This was made known by the legal representative of the DSS, Tijjani Gazali, while speaking with newsmen at the federal high court in Abuja.

The legal Representative  noted that the DSS was holding El-Zakzaky “at his own will and for his benefit”.

“He need not give his consent, but the point is he remains vulnerable and is under protective custody and the job of the DSS is to protect every Nigerian.”

Meanwhile, lawyer to the Shi’ite leader has criticised the DSS for breaching the fundamental rights of El-Zakzaky by keeping him under continued detention.

“They told us that he is being held at his own will, but we are yet to hear that from him. So until we consult him and he says that then we can confirm it.”

The DSS however, failed to say what exactly it is protecting El-Zakzaky from.

El-Zakzaky is asking a court to order his immediate release from custody and to be paid a compensation of N2 billion for damages inflicted on him and members of his group.

The Shi’ite sect and the Nigerian Army had clashed on December 12, 2015 at the Zaria headquarters of the group following a standoff between the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff and a Shi’ite procession.