Under Buhari Nigeria is tittering towards a perilous path that might lead to formation of another deadly version of Islamic fundamentalism. If we go back to recent history, for those who are students of history, we should recall how Boko Haram became a deadly menace to our collective existence. It was when their leader, Yusuf, was murdered in jungle justice style in the hands of security agents after he was captured. After then, Boko Haram became one of the deadliest terrorist groups known to mankind. So was the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS. ISIS was formed after the invasion of Iraq by former insurgents.

Without going back to the story of how Al Zakzaky was wounded and arrested after hundreds of his followers, including six of his sons, were killed in Kaduna between 2014 and 2015, we can say his lawyers have since on several occasions approached the courts and he had been granted bail under conditions. Yet, as usual, the Buhari self-led administration has refused to grant him bail. And in extension, has led to series of protests by the Shia Islamic Movement members.

Only recently, some few days ago, about five of this sect were killed around the Zuba area near Abuja after the army stopped their procession which led to a violent confrontation with the security operatives. And just yesterday, it was reported that over fifteen of the same members protesting the above mentioned killings were also killed around Maraba area in a town near Abuja.

The continuing illegal detention of Al Zarzaky is causing this unnecessary deaths and tension in the capital city, which has rendered it relatively unsafe. Why Buhari continue to hold him in detention illegally remains a mystery. Why not release him as stated by the courts and put him under surveillance as well make him agree to maintain peace and order with his members? Would the over sixty year old AL Zarzaky be more dangerous being free or being under detention? Would his followers continue to protest after he is released? Should common sense not be available to Buhari, if there is no conspiracy theory associated with this detention, that these kind of fundamentalism should be handled with diplomacy rather than brutal force?

With time, predictably, these sect might take up firearms against the Nigerian state since their stones are not being effective against the military. And we would be facing another internal insurgency like Boko Haram that have recently grown from strength to strength, kidnapping, destroying, killing... and even attacking military formations.

Let us push for Buhari to respect for the fundamental right of Al Zarzaky to be released on bail pending on the determination of the case in court. Buhari cannot continue to flaunt court rulings thereby causing these unnecessary tension and deaths.

Elempe Dele