The Kaduna High Court on Monday granted permission to the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat to travel to New Delhi, India to receive medical attention.

Men of the Nigeria Police had tightened security in the Kaduna metropolis ahead of the hearing of the bail application of the IMN leader and his wife who were absent in court during the ruling.

Granting the leave, Justice Darius Khobo said the IMN leader and his wife would travel in company of state officials and must return immediately to Nigeria after their discharge from the hospital to face the charges levelled against him.

The IMN leader and his wife had applied to the court seeking to travel for medical treatment, following their deteriorating health status  in detention.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the ruling, the Kaduna State Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Dari Bayero said the court believed the Shiite leader needed urgent medical attention. 

Bayero, who is the respondent in El-Zazaky’s application said the team had taken time to examine the eight medical reports by both Nigerian and foreign doctors which accompanied the IMN leader’s application.

“The context of the court ruling is that Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife are granted leave to travel out for urgent medical attention.

“The court looked through the medical reports filed and believed Mallam is indeed in dire need of medical attention.

“This is not a bail, but a leave to travel. So as soon as his discharge from the hospital and he returns to the country, his trial will resume,” Bayero said.

He added that his team of lawyers would study the ruling and explore whether there would be any need for an appeal within the next one month.