Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate medical treatment for the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, in Nigeria.
Falana, who is the lawyer of the embattled couple, noted that he would file a fresh application for El-Zakzaky and his wife to be re-flown abroad for treatment if his demand was not met.
KanyiDaily recalls that El-Zakzaky, who is facing an 8-count charge in a case of homicide filed by the Kaduna State Government, was granted leave for medical treatment by a Kaduna High Court on 5th August 2019.
Subsequently, El-Zakzaky and his wife travelled to India for medical treatment after the Federal Government and relevant agencies took steps to comply with the order in spite of protestation by Kaduna State Government.
The government returned El-Zakzaky and his wife to Nigeria on Friday, August 16th, after refusing treatment from ‘unknown doctors’ in India.
Speaking on the issue on Friday, the couple’s lawyer, Falana said:
“It is disturbing that the planned medical treatment of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife in India was aborted and that they have since returned to Nigeria.
“However, in view of their critical health conditions, the El-Zakzakys and the Federal Government should urgently reach an understanding to facilitate their medical treatment in Nigeria.
“In other words, since the Federal Government is apparently not prepared to allow the couple to seek medical treatment abroad for fear that they may seek political asylum, the authorities should provide adequate medical equipment for their treatment in Nigeria without any further delay.
“The unfortunate episode had embarrassed the Federal Government and that Nigeria has become a laughing stock to the extent that her leaders and citizens (who have the financial wherewithal) have to travel abroad for medical treatment.
“For goodness sake in what way was the Indian Government offended by the insistence of the El-Zakzakys to be treated by doctors of their choice?”
