By David Olalekan.
The embattled leader of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is unlikely to be issued clearance by the Federal Government to proceed on another medical trip overseas, following his alleged planned asylum in India which resulted in his repatriation back to Nigeria.
Recall that the Federal Government, on Friday, through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Grace Isu Gekpe, accused the IMN leader of planning to seek asylum while in India by approaching an Indian Court to Grant him leave to relocate to another country.
The government also chided El-Zakzaky for disregarding international procedures by initiating contacts with a team of Indian lawyers, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), such as the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and other Shiite groups in order to facilitate his planned asylum.
According to a top security official who spoke to the PUNCH on condition of anonymity, the Sheik might be denied clearance to embark on another foreign medical trip regardless of any court ruling.
“I can tell you that it is very unlikely the Federal Government would allow him to travel abroad for treatment again. With what he has done confirming some of the security reports we had on him already, the government is not likely to allow him to travel abroad again, even if the court rules otherwise.
“The government has always insisted that he (El-Zakzaky) could be treated within the country. Now that his activities in India, including how he planned to meet his lawyers, had been revealed, I bet the government won’t take a second bet on him.
“At least, the government will consider security reports before taking any decision, even with any court ruling”, the source was quoted as saying.