The Kaduna State High Court has freed about 100 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, who were arrested following the December 2015 clash with the Army.
A statement by the sect’s spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, said Justice Shiri Nyom discharged and acquitted its members of all charges levelled against them.
The statement reads: “This judgment has not only vindicated members of the sect, but is certainly a victory for perseverance in the face of extreme persecution. It is a victory for truth and justice against tyranny and impunity.
“The Kaduna State government sued about 200 members of the sect after the December 2015 clash with the Army, where over a thousand persons died, including three sons of Sheikh El-Zakzaky, his elder sister and a nephew.”
The sect also reiterated its call for the release of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, who have been in the custody of the Director of State Services (DSS).