The Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) yesterday alleged that the Federal Government was frustrating the emergency treatment of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, at Medanta Hospital, New Delhi, India.

The movement’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mikaila Yunusa, in a statement, claimed that sources from the medical facility informed them that Nigerian security agents were allegedly colluding with their western counterparts to thwart early treatment of the Sheikh.

He alleged: “Few hours after his arrival at Medanta Hospital in New Delhi, India, the Nigerian government through its security agents that escorted Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, are devising different plots to frustrate doctors from offering emergency treatment to the Sheikh whose health has seriously deteriorated as a result of the gunshots inflicted on him by the Nigerian army and his subsequent poisoning during his detention in Kaduna where he was illegally detained and deprived of medical attention for years.

“We are calling on the Nigerian government to stop playing double standard in the unfolding and new twist in the plight of the Sheikh.

“We are also calling on the international community and people of conscience and humanity, especially those that facilitated the travelling of the Sheikh to India for treatment, to prevail on the Nigerian government and its western masters to stop playing with the life of the innocent leader, who is a victim of their continued plot to ensure that he dies.”

This comes as an Islamic group based in the Asian country, Anjuman e-Haideri, offered to bear the medical expenses of the ailing IMN leader. The intention was communicated in a letter dated August 12, 2019, signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Bahadur Naqvi, and addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Surgeon of Medanta Hospital, Dr. Naresh Trehan.

The document read: “Maulana Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who is a prominent Shi’a Muslim leader having a large following worldwide, will be treated in your hospital.

“The Executive Committee of Anjuman E-Haideri, Jor bagh, New Delhi, by the direction of our Chief Patron, Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi Sb, has decided unanimously to bear all the medical costs incurred in India for his treatment. Kindly consider our request, do the needful and oblige.”

El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah, arrived New Delhi at 10:15a.m. (Nigerian time) yesterday and was immediately taken to the hospital in an ambulance. (The Guardian)

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