The rumoured death of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Mr Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is not true, according to the Department of State Services (DSS).
A Whatsapp message had on Friday circulated to the effect that the Islamic movement leader who has been in custody since 2015 had died in detention.
The message reads: “SECURITY ALERT : Shitt Leader in custody since last year by President Buhari is Dead.
“He died in custody early hours of today, as a result, the shitt group nationwide threatens a violent protest after Jumma’t prayer today. Pls, be informed and also spread this info to family, friends and loved ones.”
However, there are conflicting reports regarding the wellbeing El-Zakzakky who was arrested in 2015 after his members had a confrontation with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Daily Post in its report has quoted the counsel to the detained Shiite leader, Mr Femi Falana, as saying that the cleric is alive but terribly ill. On the other hand, a DSS official of who doesn’t want his name in print told reporters in Abuja that El-Zakzaky was hale and hearty.
It was reported on January 11 that El-Zakzaky suffered a suspected stroke.
The 68-year-old reportedly speaks with a slur and can no longer stand for prayers, and is on the verge of losing his eyesight.
His followers have periodically been organising protest over his arrest.
