El-Zakyzaky is hale and hearty—Shi’ites

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, have denied rumors that their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is dead.

In a statement on its official Twitter page, the IMN spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, urged Nigerians to ignore the reports.

He said: “Contrary to the rumours making the rounds that the illegally detained leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky had died, we wish to draw the attention of the public that these stories are fake and should be disregarded.”

He however stated that El-Zakzaky’s health was deteriorating.

“Since he was transferred to Kaduna prison, he has not been granted access to his doctors despite his deteriorating ill-health.

“We, therefore, call on the international community to pile pressure on the Nigerian government to do the needful by allowing his doctors to examine him and eventually release him,” he said.