Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is on his way back to the country, the Shiite group has confirmed.
He and his wife, Zeenat, are expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday night.
This comes three days after the cleric embarked on a medical trip to India.
El-Zakzaky, who arrived at Medanta Hospital, New Delhi, India on Tuesday, alleged “pathetic and worrisome” situation in an audio message made public on Wednesday.
He said the Federal Government had frustrated his treatment in India.
He complained about the tight security he was subjected to which he described as “worse than a prison setting”.
IMN spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed in a statement on Thursday evening that El-ZakZaky was indeed on his way back.
According to him, the decision is due to a lack of a breakthrough in the impasse that ensured with regard to the treatment of the Shiite leader in India.
Mr. Musa said, “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.
“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 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 bt the court is the direct course of the impasse.
“The government as we know never wanted the medical leave in the first place and as we have seen it did whatever it can to stop it (medical leave) by all means possible and unfortunately it has stopped it.”
The Federal Government, however, said that the IMN leader was making unreasonable demands, including wanting to check into a five-star hotel.
Musa said that to regain failing health was the plan of the Sheikh, stressing that the IMN Leader’s efforts have been scuttled.
He said that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria await the Sheikh’s arrival and will start planning on the next move.
