DSS yet to hand Sheikh El-Zakzaky over to IMN despite agreeing to comply with court order

OFFICIALS of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have revealed that they are yet to receive their detained leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who a Kaduna high court ordered the Department of State Security (DSS) to release yesterday.

Since December 2015, Sheikh El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Shiite IMN sect,  has been in detention after being arrested following a clash between his supporters and the Nigerian Army. While in detention, however, his health has deteriorated, with the sheikh said to have lost one eye and he is also reported to have suffered several mild strokes, leading to calls for his release.

Yesterday, however, a Kaduna high court ruled that Sheikh El-Zakzaky should be granted health bail to go to India for medical attention. In his judgement, Justice Darius Khobo ruled that Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat should be granted leave to travel abroad accompanied by officials of the Kaduna State government.

However, despite the ruling, the DSS is yet to release the IMN leader, even though it has agreed to comply with the judgement of the court. Sheikh Abdulrahman Abubakar, the chairman of IMN's Free Zakzaky Campaign Committee, said the sect is only aware that the DSS has been served certified true copies of the court ruling.

Sheikh Abubakar said: “Let me confirm first, the report we received is that the DSS has acknowledged receipt of the court ruling and the security agency are currently in liaison with relevant authorities to find a way how to activate the judicial order fully. I can only tell you that we have not received Sheikh El-Zakzaky yet.

“However, if there is any new development, I will let you. We are still monitoring the situation.”

DSS spokesman Dr Peter Afunanya, added: “This is to inform the public that the Department of State Services 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."