Police shut down major highways in Kaduna over Zakzaky’s arraignment

Major highways leading to Kaduna high court in Kaduna metropolis were on Thursday shut down over the arraignment of Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ites.

Journalists, who trooped to the court premises to cover the case were also barred from entering by heavily armed security men stationed at all strategic points leading to the court.

Motorists were denied access to Independence Way right from Kabala West Roundabout up to Waff Road junction.

Those coming from Tafawa Balewa way through the College of Business and Management Studies of Kaduna Polytechnic were also prevented from accessing Independence way.

Similarly, motorists from Yakubu Gowon way were also denied access to Bida Road along national and state libraries, NBTE, NAN office Kaduna state judiciary, police headquarters, including First Bank, Wema Bank and Access Bank located there.

On Wednesday, Zakzaky’s followers clashed with the police during a protest along Ahmadu Bello way.

Zakzaky is facing charges of unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

He has been in detention since 2015 but members of his group have been consistent in their demand for his release.