Leader of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, will touch down in Nigeria anytime now after a breakdown in efforts to get him treated in India. He was billed to leave India at 5.00 p.m. Nigerian time.
Spokesperson of the group, Ibrahim Musa, said, “Following lack of a breakthrough in the impasse that ensued in the treatment of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky in New Delhi, it is now confirmed that the Sheikh is on his way back to Abuja, Nigeria. He is scheduled to leave 17hrs Nigerian time.
“In a video message sent by the Sheikh himself, he said that they were given two alternatives; either to commence the treatment on their own terms i.e the government terms or they will be sent back. And that it has been announced to them that they will be sent back and he is praying to Allah that may it be the best option for him and for everybody.
“It is clear to us that the Nigerian government interference and the scuttling of the whole process rather than supervision as ordered bt the court is the direct course of the impasse.
“The government as we know never wanted the medical leave in the first place and as we have seen it did whatever it can to stop it (medical leave) by all means possible and unfortunately it has stopped it.”
With the new development and a trending story on other platforms that there were failed attempts to rescue and fly the ailing Shi’ite leader to Iran, and an accusation by his daughter that he was poisoned with lead, the next few days promise to be tense and interesting.