Sheikh Zakzaky challenges Nigerian govt. over passport
Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement
of Nigeria, has filed a suit against Nigerian government over seizure of his
passport.
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeenah Ibrahim,
have separately approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the
seizure of their international passports by the Department of State Services
and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Sheikh Zakzaky and Malama Zeenah Ibrahim
told the court that their passports were last seen in possession of the
National Intelligence Service (NIA), which has officially denied its
possession.
Subsequent to this the couple had since declared their
passports lost. However, upon attempting to renew the passports through the
immigration department, it was revealed that the DSS had flagged their
passports. All official requests to the DSS to remove the restriction have
since then been ignored.
They asked the court to compel the two Respondents to
release the passports to them or lift the 'Red Flag' Restrictions on their
passports. And enforce their fundamental rights to freedom of movement and an
order of perpetual injunction stopping the Respondents from further harassment
and intimidating behavior.
They also requested the court to mandate the respondents to
pay the sum of Two Billion Naira as general and exemplary damages for the
violation of the Applicant's rights to freedom of movement, fair hearing, and
property.
They said in the absence of any court order, the seizure of the passports by the Respondents constituted a threat to their life since they have denied them the opportunity to seek urgent medical attention outside the country as recommended by their Physicians.
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