The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has again confirmed that the leader of the embattled Shi’a group, Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, is indeed in the custody of the Nigerian Police, while saying lawyers, relatives and friends were free to visit him in custody.
Arase made this known on Tuesday when a high-powered delegation of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) led by its Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, paid him a courtesy visit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
However, the IG said anyone who wishes to visit the cleric must observe what he called “necessary legitimate procedures”.
Also, he appealed to the body to use its platform to educate all groups within its purview to respect the rights of others, stating that it is duty of the police to protect the lives and property of all and sundry.
Furthermore, Arase assured the body of the commitment of the police to unravelling the mystery behind penultimate Saturday’s clash between the Nigeria Army and the Shi’ite group.
In his response, Prof. Oloyede thanked the IG for extending the hand of fellowship to the body, pleading with him to leave no stone unturned in making sure that the truth behind the clash that left scores dead and many more injured is uncovered.