The Prosecutor-General (Attorney-General) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammed Montazeri, has asked the Federal Government of Nigeria, to allow the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, come to Iran for medical treatment.
An Iran-based news organisation, AhlulBayt News Agency, reports that Montazeri stated this in a letter.
Montazeri also called on the judiciary, to grant bail to El-Zakzaky, who is the leader of all Shi’ites in Nigeria.
“I, as the prosecutor general of the Islamic Republic of Iran, urge the Nigerian judicial authorities (to take steps) in line with their judicial independence and support for a captive citizen, and provide the ground for his release and transfer him to the Islamic Republic of Iran for treatment,” the letter read in part.
Sheikh El-Zakzaky, who is in his mid-60s, lost his left eye when Nigerian government forces raided the city of Zaria in Kaduna, more than three years ago.
The cleric has been kept in custody along with his wife and a large number of his followers ever since.
In 2016, Nigeria’s Federal High Court ordered his unconditional release from jail following a trial, but the government has so far refused to set him free.
El-Zakzky’s followers have for the last two years been holding protests mainly in Abuja, calling for his immediate release.
In recent time, the protests have become more aggressive leading to the deaths of Shi’ites, security officials and innocent Nigerians caught in the crossfire.
On Monday, Precious Owolabi, who was serving with Channels Television, was killed by a stray bullet while a Deputy Commissioner of Police also lost his life.
Iran, which is the stronghold of the Shi’a Muslim faith, has been demanding the release of El-Zakzaky.
Another bail hearing is expected to take place on Monday, July 29.
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