Mohammed Ibraheem, the only surviving son of Sheikh Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has thanked protesters, journalists, right activists and civil society groups who stood by them during the detention of his parents since 2015.
Mohammed, in a statement made available to SINL Nigeria Online, also thanked his father’s legal team.
“As you are aware, my father, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and Mother, Zeenah Ibraheem, have recently regained their freedom, after the Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them of all charges filed by the current Kaduna State Administration.
“After expressing our profound gratitude to Allah, the Almighty, we wish to also express our appreciation to all those that stood by us during this ordeal that has lasted two thousand and fifty-five days (2055); nearly 6 years.
“I, along with our entire family, wish to especially thank those men, women and children who stood firm in the face of injustice, risking life and limb to demand justice and freedom for them, both inside and outside this country.
“Of special note are the heroes who marched daily in Abuja nonstop for 5 years, a monumental act of sacrifice seldom heard of and certainly unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to human rights organisations who continued to help provide the group with a voice during this difficult time.
“Of special note are the Amnesty international, Human Rights Watch and especially The Islamic Human Rights Commission for ensuring that the atrocities carried out in December 2015 could not be simply covered up.
“We hail the efforts of free media and those journalists whose commitment to the truth shone even in the face of censorship, threats and often lethal violence.
“We commend your steadfastness and bravery, and wish to thank you for all those times you refused to turn a blind eye to tyranny, discrimination and other crimes being committed in the name of the state.,” he said.
Mohammed also thanked his parents’ legal team led by Mr Femi Falana, SAN.
“Last but certainly not least, I wish to thank my parent’s competent and loyal legal team that was ably led by Chief Femi Falana, SAN, who despite all the malicious maneuvers to delay, manipulate and obstruct judicial due process, the legal team persevered and ultimately prevailed.
“We will be eternally grateful for your efforts,” he said.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeenah Ibraheem were discharged and acquitted at Kaduna High Court of an eight count-charge bordering on culpable homicide and disruption of public peace.
