The Department of State Services (DSS) says Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Shi’ite sect in Nigeria, is in its custody for his own safety.

El-Zakzaky and his wife have been in detention since December last year, after a violent clash between members of his sect and the Nigerian army.

The pair had filed a suit against the Federal Government challenging their continued detention by the Nigerian Army.

However, speaking with journalists at the federal high court in Abuja, on Tuesday, Tijjani Gazali, counsel to the DSS, said that El-Zakzaky was being held “at his own will and for his benefit”.

The judge has adjourned the case till July 13.

On December 12 and 13, last year, armed soldiers clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria at Zaria, Kaduna.

More than 300 members were believed to have been killed in the attack, which the army initially described as an attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

The sect has since denied the allegations. (tv360nigeria.com)

•Photo shows El-Zakzaky.