The Department of State Services (DSS) has finally released the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise called Shiites, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in order to receive medical attention in India.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Peter Afunanya in a brief statement in Abuja. The DSS was however, silent on the fate of Zeenatu, the wife of the IMN leader.
“This is to inform the public that the Department of State Services (DSS) has received the order granting Ibrahim EL-ZAKZAKY leave to travel to India for medical treatment.
“Consequently, the Service is liaising with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance. Conformity with the order is in line with the Service’s avowed commitment to the Rule of Law inherent in a democracy,” the DSS said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Free Zak Zaky committee, Abubakar Abdulrahman, has said that although the group was aware of the court order to release the Shiite leader, the group had not received the leader yet.
Justice Darius Khobo of Kaduna State High Court, on Monday granted Elzakzaky leave to seek for medical attention in New Delhi, India, saying Zakzaky would travel in company of State officials.
The judge also ordered that the IMN leader must return immediately after his discharge from the hospital to face his charges. The IMN leader, El-Zakzaky and his wife had applied to the court seeking to travel, following poor health while in detention.
The State Director of Public Prosecution, Dari Bayero, told reporters after Monday’s ruling that “the context of the court ruling is that Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife are granted leave to travel out for urgent medical attention.
“The court looked through the medical reports filed and believed Mallam is indeed in dire need of medical attention. “This is not a bail, but a leave to travel. So as soon as his discharge from the hospital and he returns to the country, his trial will resume.”
The Shiite leader and his wife have been in detention since December 2015, after he was arrested following clashes between his supporters and security agents. Many of his members have been killed and the IMN was recently proscribed by the Federal Government through a court judgement following waves of protests by his supporters demanding his release.
