The leader of the Shiite group, Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is currently in police custody and receiving treatment for injuries suspected to be gunshot wounds sustained when soldiers stormed his residence 10 days ago killing scores of his followers.
Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase told members of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) who met him in his office that El-Zakzaky is being guarded by the police in an undisclosed hospital.
The Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai had earlier said the sect leader has been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
The NSCIA delegation was made up of Daud Naibi as chairman and Ishaq Oloyede, Muzammil Hanga, Abubakar Tsav, Ibrahim Suleiman, Yusuf Ali, Abubakar Siddique and Is-haq Oloyede as members.
During the meeting with Mr. Arase and all the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police at the force headquarters in Abuja, the NSCIA delegation sought to know the whereabouts E-Zakzaky.
Arase admitted that Mr. Elzakzaky was in police custody receiving treatment, but could not yet grant anyone access to him until his health improves. He also added that El-Zakzaky is doing well and his life was not at risk
The police boss also added that he would need “orders from above” before allowing the NSCIA delegation access to the sect leader when he recuperates.
