After undergoing five months of medical treatment in Iran, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the supreme leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), along with his wife, Zeenah, has returned to Abuja.
Thousands of enthusiastic supporters greeted the Shi’ite leader with open arms at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, followed by a grand reception at Moshood Abiola Stadium.
This marked his inaugural major public appearance since his release from Kaduna prison in July 2021, symbolizing a significant moment for both him and his adherents.
Addressing the throngs of supporters, Sheikh Zakzaky conveyed deep appreciation for the warm reception and provided updates on his health following the medical journey.
“We are better than we were, even though we have not completed our treatment. Perhaps, after six months, we may have to go back for the continuation of the next stage of treatment. We are very happy that we are back safely,” he mentioned, shedding light on his ongoing recovery process.
Looking back on his journey, Zakzaky reminisced about the significant moments of his trip, notably his encounter with Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, the figurehead of the Islamic Revolution.
This particular meeting, alongside others, seemed to strengthen his commitment to advancing his work in Nigeria, underscoring his unwavering resolve to persist despite past opposition from the government.
“We will continue what has been started (revivalist Islam). Nothing has stopped. You know the attempt by the last regime was to silence us once and for all, but they could see that we have continued with our activities all through their eight years of tyrannical rule,” Zakzaky declared.
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The Sheikh’s resolute demeanor during his initial significant engagement with his followers post-acquittal by the High Court of Kaduna State in 2021 depicted sheer resilience.
His and his wife’s apprehension ensued from a Nigerian Army assault on their abode in December 2015, resulting in the tragic demise of approximately a thousand followers, including kin.
Following nearly six years of incarceration, their release in 2021 and subsequent retrieval of travel documents in October 2023 by the federal government, under Bola Ahmad Tinubu, facilitated their pursuit of essential medical care abroad.
The grand welcome epitomized a revitalized spirit among his adherents and a reassertion of his significance in Nigeria’s socio-political arena.