Embattled Shi’ite leader El-Zakzaky, wife arrive Abuja airport

THE embattled leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat has arrived the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

They arrived at about 12 noon aboard the Ethiopian airline.

The cleric who came in via the international terminal of the airport with other government officials was, however, held up by the security operatives and driven away shortly after arrival by the Department of States Security (DSS).

The accused persons earlier resolved to return to the country from India on claims that the Federal Government had frustrated their efforts to get medical doctors of their choice to attend to them.

El-Zakzaky and his wife were released on a temporary basis to seek medical treatment in India following the request of the defence counsel, Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer

Spokesperson of the Islamic sect, Ibrahim Musa also confirmed his arrest by the DSS operatives after his return to the country.

He earlier disclosed on Thursday the planned return of El-Zakzaky from the Madena Hospital back to the country.

“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,” says Musa.

“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’s 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 by the court is the direct course of the impasse.”