Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, and his wife, Zeenat, are at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in preparation for the court-ordered medical trip to India.

The Shi’ite leader is expected to board Emirates Flight EK786 to Dubai en route to India at 6 pm today, sources familiar with the travel arrangements revealed.

They have been in detention since December 2015 amidst reports of deteriorating health.

Last week, Justice Darius Khobo of Kaduna State High Court granted Mr El-Zakzaky and wife leave to seek medical attention in New Delhi, India.

The court ordered that they be released to go to the hospital and return for the continuation of their trial after their discharge from the hospital.

The spokesman for the State Security Service, SSS, Peter Afunnaya later released a statement, saying the service would comply with the order.

Sources said that El-Zakzaky appeared strong today as he was escorted into the airport, but his wife came in a motorised wheelchair.

The sources said there is a probability that National Intelligence Agency, NIA and foreign service officials will also join them at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India.

El-Zakzaky and wife will be escorted by his son Muhammad, family doctor Ramatu Abubakar, a family friend Zainab Hamid, two SSS operatives and a police doctor.

The Kaduna State government last week laid out seven conditions for Mr El-Zakzaky to meet before he is allowed to travel out, but it is not clear whether the Shi’ite leader met the conditions.