El-Zakzaky’s Wife Has Recovered From COVID-19, Lawyer Tells Court

Zeenat, wife of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibraheem El–Zakzaky, has recovered from COVID-19, her lawyer has said.

During a hearing on Thursday, H.G. Magashi from the chambers of Femi Falana (SAN) told a Kaduna State High Court that his client has regained her health.

The judge, Gideon Kurada, had on Tuesday ordered Zeenat’s release after her counsel, Falana, presented a medical report asking the court to allow his client to seek medical treatment outside the correctional centre according to measures put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

But the court has now vacated the order it made directing the state correctional service to release Zeenat for COVID-19 treatment.

“Upon an oral application moved by H.G. Magashi, Esq. holding the brief of Femi Falana, Esq. SAN of counsel for the 1 defendant and of Edwin Inegedu, Esq. of counsel for the 2nd defendant applying for an order vacating an earlier order made on 26th January 2021 for 2nd defendant to be taken to a government hospital for treatment. The situation has changed as the 2nd defendant regained her good health and the unfettered access to medical facilities granted her by the correctional services centre, Kaduna.

“It is hereby ordered that the application is granted and the order of court made on 26 January 2021 is hereby vacated,” the judge said.

A member of the defendant’s legal team, Marshal Abubakar, said Zeenat’s response to treatment necessitated the application for a revocation of the previous court order.

He said she is still in isolation and receiving medical attention from her personal doctors in collaboration with some Kaduna state doctors within the prison facility.

Recall that El-Zakzaky and his wife have been in detention since 2015 after his followers clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna.

The IMN leader is standing trial for alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of public peace.