Nigeria: Traffic disruption in Kaduna ahead of Islamic leader trial June 21

Event

Major roads leading to the Kaduna High Court, located near the Independence Way in the city of Kaduna, have reportedly been closed as of Thursday, June 21, due to the ongoing trial of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzazy, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). The affected roads include:

• From Kabala West Roundabout up to Waff Road junction

• From the College of Business and Management Studies of Kaduna Polytechnic to Tafawa Balewa Way

• Bida Road along national and state libraries, NBTE, NAN office Kaduna State Judiciary closed from Yakubu Gowon Way axis.

As such, significant traffic disruption is expected in the vicinity of the High Court and on alternative roads. The situation is expected to improve on the evening of June 20. Furthermore, protests by supporters of El-Zakzazy near the area and an increased security presence is likely. IMN protest have often turned violent in the past. On Wednesday, June 20, two policemen were allegedly shot during a violent protest in Kaduna at Ahmadu Bello Way and some protesters were arrested.

Context

IMN protests occur on a regular basis, especially in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano states, despite a ban on the group's activities. Such protests have occasionally led to violent clashes between protesters and police forces as well as arrests.

Zakzaky, a prominent Shi'ite cleric, was arrested in December 2015 when army forces raided his home in Zaria (Kaduna state), killing a number of IMN followers in the process. The Nigerian Federal High Court ordered Zakzaky's release in December 2016 but he has nevertheless remained in detention. He was reportedly in poor health as of early January 2018 and IMN protesters have demanded his release for medical treatment.

Advice

Individuals in Kaduna are advised to plan alternative routes and avoid all protests due to the risk of associated violence and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

In general, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.