THE Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ites has threatened to resume daily protests in Abuja to demand the release of the passports of its leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah Ibraheem.
In a statement by Fatima Aliyu Adam of the Academic Forum of IMN, on Friday, March 24, the group said the seizure of the passports by the Federal Government has denied the duo much needed medical services abroad.
Shi’ites said the health of El-Zakzaky and his wife deteriorated following injuries they sustained when the Nigerian Army invaded their residence in Zaria, Kaduna State in 2015.
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“Certainly, the deteriorating health condition of His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), while in detention is the main reason behind the commencement of the daily Free Zakzaky protest in Abuja.
“The public should note that Sheikh Zakzaky (H) and his wife have multiple life-threatening health challenges as a result of the Zaria massacre, and up to this moment, there are numerous bullets in their bodies, and fractures of the bullets are releasing poison into their blood,” the statement said.
The group noted that despite several court judgments which ordered the unconditional release of the leader and his wife, the Federal Government directed the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to withhold the couple’s passports.
Adam said, “It is obvious that the Buhari regime has no respect or regard for court orders; hence, we are calling for more protests to demand the release of travel documents of Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) and his wife Zeenah Ibraheem, as well as removing the travel ban placed on them.
“Despite police brutality, the protest started on January 8, 2018, and it is on record that from 2018 to 2021, police and army have killed 78 Free Zakzaky protesters, 2 journalists, and numerous passers-by (Abuja residents),” the statement added.
Sinafi Omanga is a multimedia journalist and researcher with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. He has a keen interest in humanitarian reporting, social justice, and environment.
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