The leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has said he was never in detention in Nigeria and enjoyed some level of freedom.
The Shiite leader in a now trending video, could be seen in a discussion with an unidentified India official.
El-zakzaky had alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria was frustrating his treatment at Medanta hospital, India.
He said he was being treated like a prisoner in India.
He said,”I have been about four years in prison now; a house fully furnished. In fact, our next neighbour was the senate president; a large house. I was free to move about. Similarly, when they moved me to Kaduna I was in the best area – government reserved area. “
“It is a house fully furnished with large bedrooms and I was free. I have never been in detention with police there; in fact, the soldiers used to stay outside at the gate. That is what they have been doing. When we came here we were put in prison.”
”I will definitely prefer another hospital. I was told that some Shi’ite Ulama came and said I should be allowed to be treated in India.”
“They said I am the one to take myself to hospital, not the government, but under the supervision of the government. We bought our own tickets, the government people with us bought their own.”
”Somehow, when we came here, we learnt the embassy changed the story. We learnt the Nigerian government told them they are bringing in two patients charged with a criminal offence, and they also solicited the support of the Indian government for the security of these people; they also spoke with the hospital about what to do. And they claim they are the ones bringing us.”
Sheik El-zakzaky returned to Nigeria on 16th of August after a disagreement between him and the Federal Government.
The FG had said the Shi’ite leader tried to seek asylum and eventually relocate to another country.
The Shiite leader and his wife have been in the detention of the Department of State Service since December 2015 after soldiers killed at least 347 IMN members for blocking a public road.
Olayinka works with The ICIR as the Social Media Manager, Reporter and Fact-checker. You can shoot him an email via [email protected]. You can as well follow him on Twitter via @BelloYinka72