TheCable

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, says the federal government spends N3.5 million every month to feed Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Despite the bail granted to him by a federal high court, El-Zakzaky has been denied freedom since December 2015 and has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a video trending online, the minister asked not to be quoted before proceeding to say: “It costs the government about N3.5 million every month to feed him.

“Honestly, don’t quote me, but these are the facts.

“So please. We don’t want to inflame passion. The issue is a very sensitive matter. But that is the situation. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria are a different kettle of fish.”

The leader of the Shi’ites is facing trial over allegations of culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and distrust ion of peace.

In recent weeks, his followers clashed with security agencies in Abuja, leading to multiple fatalities.

Below is the video and reactions from Nigerians.

https://twitter.com/AdForumCo/status/1060437907087998977

Lai Mohammed is surely an aberration. Making this kind of statement shows that this administration is feckles. https://t.co/NsJLrj9oI6

— Olu_bounty (@olu_natty) November 8, 2018

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"N30K is enough to feed a family of 4 for a month." – Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour & Productivity

"It costs FG N3.5m to feed ElZakzaky for a month." – Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information & Culture.

These people don't value us.😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/4wJKUUr0ab

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— JagunJagun🌑 (@abjghost) November 8, 2018

Lai Mohammed: “It costs the Nigerian government N3.5m per month to feed ElZakzaky”

Are they feeding him manna imported from Heaven? At this point, I bet the devil himself is no longer sure if he’s still the father of lies.

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— 🤴🏾Ibadan Lord 🇳🇬 (@degosTee) November 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/Stevintee/status/1060460902703620097

Lai Mohammed: It costs 3.5 Million monthly to feed El Zakzaky

Google: pic.twitter.com/Jod6cSnRNL

— A.tas! (@otas___) November 8, 2018

"It costs the Nigerian government N3.5m per month to feed ElZakzaky." – Lai Mohammed.

Lai Mohammed did it again…….

Is ElZakzaky being fed with raw gold? pic.twitter.com/RMAgfbRoRS

— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí (@ogundamisi) November 8, 2018

Lai Mohammed, you liar shut up😂😂 pic.twitter.com/aEWoe2bQeb

— Pending Canadian (@amaniro_s) November 8, 2018

Buhari: Osinbade any update?

PYO: Lai Mohammed has distracted them. They've stopped talking about your WAEC forgery pic.twitter.com/rsJvLGVufO

— Lérd Chigbo ā (@itschigbo) November 8, 2018

Lai Mohammed really knows how to take the piss! How would he say El-zakzaky meals cost N3.5million a month? Is he the prime minister of prisoners? Does his daily diet include exotic imported Ostriches, Gorrillas, Zebras & Giraffes? Lying to Lai Mohammed is now an extreme sport pic.twitter.com/YbmC3yvf7Z

— The Omonile Lawyer™ | Arsenal Fan | (@MatthewOttah) November 8, 2018