El-Zakzaky Rejects Federal Government’s Jet, Takes Commercial Emirates To India

The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, on Monday evening departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for medical treatment in India.

This was sequel to the order of Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court granting El-Zakzaky and his wife leave to undergo treatment at an Indian hospital of their choice.

According to Punch, El-Zakzaky and his wife, who have both spent over three years in custody, turned down the Federal Government’s offer of a private jet for their Indian medical trip which they embarked upon on Monday evening, 12th August 2019.

It was gathered from top sources, who were aware of the development but would not want to be quoted because they did not have the authority to speak on the matter, that the couple insisted that they would prefer a commercial flight. One of the sources said,

“They told the government officials that they requested the court to permit them to travel to India to treat themselves at their personal cost, which they said included the cost of the flight.

“The couple, in turning down the offer, said it would be a departure from the court’s ruling if they accepted to travel on a government’s sponsored trip.”

It was learnt that they flew to India on an Emirates plane on Monday.

The IMN Spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed the development to newsmen on the telephone. He said:

“The Sheikh has departed Abuja airport with his wife for their trip to India. They went on an Emirates Airline flight which took off around 7pm. They were accompanied by the

Before their departure, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, had arrived at the airport in the afternoon in preparation for their flight to Medenta Hospital, New Delhi, India.

The IMN leader was wearing a white head turban with a mask around his mouth while his wife was moved around in a wheelchair by an aide.