Osinbajo’s visit stalls hearing on El-Zakzaky’s bail

The expected visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Kaduna State yesterday stalled hearing of the bail application for leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife Zeenatu.

The Kaduna High Court, however, adjourned sitting till November 7.

El-Zakzaky and his wife are being tried for culpable homicide.

Director of Public Prosecution Dari Bayero said the case was adjourned because Osinbajo is visiting Kaduna and there is not enough security.

The Vice President was expected to witness the convocation ceremony of the 65 Regular Course (Army) and 66 Regular Course (Navy and Airforce) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was later represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

Bayero said: “The court has adjourned the case till November 7 when the defendants will be present for hearing. We could not bring El-Zakzaky to court because of security concerns as the Vice President is visiting Kaduna and security is over stretched.

“The prosecution thus asked that the presence of the defendant be excused for the proceedings and the court graciously accepted.”