Lawyers, relatives can visit Zakzaky, other Shiite members in detention – IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has said lawyers, relatives and friends can visit the leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, and other members of the sect being held in police custody.
Arase said this on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on a courtesy call in his office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He, however, said those wishing to visit Zakzaky and others must observe “necessary legitimate procedures”.
He told the delegation of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and adherence to the tenet of fundamental human rights.
He emphasized that the Police and other security agencies are conscious of Nigerian citizens’ fundamental rights and would protect them.
Arase also assured them of professional investigation of the incident.
He appealed to the Islamic body to use its reputable and respected platform to caution all groups in the country that while they have the constitutional rights to express their views, it should not circumscribe the rights of others.
Prof. Ishaq O. Oloyede, the head of the delegation and the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, appreciated the leadership qualities of Arase and the Force Management Team.
Oloyede thanked the Force for the cooperation extended to the Islamic body and further used the medium to mediate in the clash between the Shiite Islamic group and the military, which occurred recently in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He urged Arase to look into the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to avoiding such in future.
The body equally appealed for possible medical assistance to those detained in connection with the incident.