Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat, have been released by the Department of State Services (DSS) for medical treatment in India.
This came after Justice Darius Khobo of Kaduna State High Court on Monday granted the Shiites’ leader and his wife permission to leave the country for treatment abroad.
According to reports, El-Zakzaky and his wife were released last night.
The DSS had in a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said it would comply with the directive.
“This is to inform the public that the Department of State Services (DSS) 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. Conformity with the order is in line with the Service’s avowed commitment to the Rule of Law inherent in a democracy,” the statement said.
The court ruled that it is granting the Shiites leader leave to travel for medical treatment not bail, adding that they would be accompanied by state and DSS officials.
The IMN in a statement on Monday said the ruling was favourable but long overdue.
However, counsel to the state government and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dari Bayero, said they may be appealing the ruling.
El-Zakzaky and wife are facing an eight-count charge, including culpable homicide and public disturbance in connection with the December 2015 clashes between members of the IMN and soldiers in Zaria, which left many persons dead.
