Sheikh Ibraheem ZakZaky

Femi Adi, Kaduna

The Shiite members on Monday refused to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry , which commenced sitting in Kaduna to hear the Zaria, Army/Shiite sect clash that left over 60 persons killed and several others injured.

The Commission of Inquiry was set up by Kaduna State Government to look into the immediate and remote causes of the clash.

As early as 9am, members of the 13-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry, headed by Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba were on ground at the Hassan Katsina State House, Kaduna to listen to parties involved in the Zaria clash case, but only to hear that the Shiite through a letter writtem to the commission said they would appear only if they have access to their leader, Shiekh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who will give them order to either appear or not.

However, the General Officer Commanding , G.O.C, One Mechanised Division , Major General Adeniyi Oyebade appeared for army alongside other senior army officers.

Addressing the sitting, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Garba, said, “This sitting has to be adjourned till Wednesday because of the absence of one party involved in the inquiry.”

Meanwhile, Garba told counsel to the commission, Yusuf Ali (SAN) to find out the the whereabouts of the Shiite leader, Zakzaky and report back to the commission within 24 hours.

According to the chairman, it is required by law for every party in the clash to be present at all the sittings of the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Movement had before now faulted the 13-man composition of the panel, saying some of its members are already against the Movement.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the adjournment, Yusuf Ali promised to locate the leader of the Shiites within 24 hours to enable his lawyers get access to him.