Editor's Desk

Shaykh Zakzaky’s Unending Suffering

Editor

Jumada' al-Ula' 15, 14392018-02-01

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Shaykh Ibrahim Zakzaky, a highly respected alim and leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria was shot and badly wounded in December 2015. The Nigerian army murdered at least 100 members of the movement including three sons of the Shaykh. His wife was also attacked and injured. The group’s compound was bulldozed. Despite international protests and diplomatic representations, the Shaykh and his wife remain incarcerated in terrible conditions.

On December 2, 2016, Justice Gabriel Kolawole of Federal High Court 6 in Abuja dismissed all charges against the Shaykh. He also ordered Shaykh Zakzaky’s immediate release and that of his wife. The judge also ordered the Nigerian government to provide him not only a house but also compensation and adequate security.

Far from adhering to the court ruling, the Nigerian government has appealed the verdict. The Shaykh continues to suffer in terrible conditions.

Why does the Nigerian government refuse to abide by its own court ruling and what forces are behind the brutal assault on Shaykh Zakzaky, his family, and movement? Two regimes in particular can be cited that have the backing of the US: Zionist Israel and the Saudi Najdi Bedouins.

Both regimes are terrified of the power of Islam and its spread into remote parts of Africa. The Zionists exercise great influence over the Nigerian military; many officers are on the Zionists and Saudis’ payroll.

They view Shaykh Zakzaky’s revolutionary, pro-people movement as a threat to their exploitative policies.

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