The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked Nigeria to release the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, to them for proper treatment.
A letter making the request by the Iranian prosecutor-general, Mohammed Montazeri on Saturday, July 20, was confirmed by ABNA.
The letter allegedly read: “I, as the prosecutor general of the Islamic Republic of Iran, urge the Nigerian judicial authorities (to take steps) in line with their judicial independence and support for a captive citizen, and provide the ground for his release and transfer him to the Islamic Republic of Iran for treatment.”
The letter further expressed worry over the embattled cleric’s health and the manner in which the Nigerian government had handled his case. The country is said to be a strong base of Shiite Muslims, and is reportedly sympathetic to the IMN.
In Nigeria, the Shiite group has proven to be a source of apprehension for members of the public. Their habit of trekking long distances on major highways, thereby impeding vehicular movement leading to confrontation with law enforcement agencies has become too recurrent.
El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained three years ago, following a bloody confrontation between the group and a convoy of the chief of Army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, in Zaria, Kaduna state.
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