Shiite Islamic sect are protesting the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky following a clash with the Nigerian Army in Kaduna on December 12, 2015, despite recent call by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for his speedy trial.

The protested moved around IBB Way near British Council, in Abuja, following which men of the Nigeria Police used teargas.

The commission has in its report of a special panel it constituted to investigate 2015 bloody clash between members of the sect, under the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The NHRC, in the report which head of the investigation panel, Tony Ojukwu, submitted to its Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, on Wednesday September 21, maintained that the leadership and members of the sect “were responsible for the abuse of right to freedom of movement of the convoy of the COAS and other members of the public by blocking the public highway on December 12, 2015.”

The clash which led to the death of many members of the sect, while others seriously wounded, occurred after the Chief of Army Staff,Major-General Yusuf Buratai, who was on his way from Dutse to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau before proceeding to Depot NA Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruit Intake, was denied passage by members of the Shi’ite sect. (Independent)

•Photo shows detained Sheikh El-Zakzaky.