Kaduna grants more time to panel on Shiites, soldiers clash

Following inability to commence the investigation into the clash between the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and soldier in Zaria, the Kaduna State government has granted the judicial commission of inquiry a four-week extension to conclude its assignment.

The state government granted the extension at the request of the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba.

When the commission was inaugurated, it was given six weeks to submit its final report. With the first session held on February 22nd 2016, the final report should have been presented on April 4th.

Proceedings of the commission have been adjourned several times since its first public sitting. The adjournments were granted to enable the Islamic Movement submit its memorandum.

But the group refused to submit memorandum to the commission, claiming it would do this only when they are able to have access to their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

The Shiites later withdrew appearance from the panel through their counsel, Mr. Festus Okoye.

The four sessions of the commission on February 24, 29, March 7 and 14, 2016 all ended in adjournments.

A statement by the media aide to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Samuel Aruwan, stressed that: “These adjournments have taken up the time allotted to the panel, and as such more time is required to conduct the business of the inquiry and submit a final report.”