Eye-witness reports from Nigeria suggest an attempt is underway to kill the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky.

Armed men are in the process of forcibly removing the sheikh and his wife Zeenah from where they are being held by the State Security Services (SSS).

Supporters of the sheikh fear the move could spell the end for the pair who were detained without charge following their arrest during a savage military assault against the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) last December. Both were shot during the attack in Zaria in which at least 1000 IMN supporters, including three sons of the couple, were killed.

Last week Nigeria’s High Court ordered the release of the couple within 45 days. IHRC is concerned that this evening’s events indicate that the SSS has no intention of carrying out the order and remains intent on bringing harm to the pair. Both were shot during last December’s attack and have consistently been denied access to proper medical care to treat their injuries. Sheikh Zakzaky has already lost the use of an arm and one of his eyes and risks losing his eyesight completely unless he receives urgent medical treatment.

For media enquiries or further details please call +44 7958 607475 or WhatsApp or IMO +44 7958 522196[Ends]

Notes to editors:

In March 2016 IHRC petitioned the International Criminal Court to to open a preliminary inquiry into the December 2015 massacre of IMN members.

Our report which we submitted to the ICC can be found online here

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

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