El-Zakzaky makes public appearance after 2yrs in DSS detention

The leader of Islamic movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known has Shiite group Shiek Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Saturday spoke to newsmen.

The Shiite leader has been in the custody of the Department State Security (DSS) for about two years, after he was taken into custody soon after a clash between his followers and soldiers in Kaduna.

PRNigeria provided a transcript from the one-minute, 20-second interaction between Sheikh ElZakzaky with journalists at a Safe Facility in Abuja.

He walked towards the journalists in a white flowing gown with a turban. The journalists moved towards him. They were cracking jokes and continued thus:

Journalist: Good Afternoon sir?

Sheikh Zakzaky: How are you?

Journalist: Can we have a word with you?

Sheikh Zakzaky: If they agree and allow me (He says so jokingly)

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Journalist: How are you feeling now?

Sheik El-Zakzaky: I am feeling better the security (officers) have allowed me to see my doctor, my personal doctor. I thank God. I am improving

Journalist: Do you have anything to add.

Sheikh El-Zakzaky: I thank you for all your prayers

Journalist: Thank you sir Sheikh

ElZakzaky: Thanks (As he walked away) Transcript by PRNigeria

There had been rumors surrounding his well-being, with speculations that he may have died in detention.

But the DSS and his lawyer, Femi Falana both dispelled the stories, and affirmed that he is still alive.

The cleric and his wife had sustained gunshot wounds during their arrests.

”Clinically he (El-Zakzaky) is not dead yet. But he is very sick”.

“He has lost an eye; he is in the process of losing the other one. He has developed stroke in detention”, Falana had said.

Since the arrest and detention of the group’s leader, his followers have been holding a series of protests in some cities in the country, especially Abija calling for his release.

Fifty-three of his followers were arrested recently by the Police in Abuja following one of such protests.

 

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