Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have reiterated the call for the release of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem Zakzaky.

The Shiites pushed for the release of their leader during a protest on Wednesday held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Some members of the group’s Academic Forum, Muhktar Awwal and Firdausi Yusuf, read out a statement which contained the demand.

The Shiites say the group and its leaders are being subjected to what they called “unwarranted and vicious attack” by the Kaduna State Government and security agencies.

They held a peaceful protest through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, which terminated at the Federal Secretariat.

The protest follows the refusal of a Federal High Court to hear the bail application filed by Mr Zakzaky.

Ruling on the application on Monday, Justice Okon Abang, said since the main suit was already ongoing before another judge of the Federal High Court, the applicant ought to obtain a ‘leave of court’ to hear the matter.

Zakzaky and his wife, Mrs Zeenah Ibrahim, were arrested after a confrontation between the Islamic group and soldiers which resulted in several deaths and destruction of property on December 12, 2015.

The leader of the Shiites, through his lawyers, Femi Falana and Festus Okoye, is demanding an order of court directing his immediate release from custody. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows detainedShiite Leader Zakzaky.