Abuja — Sheikh Abdukadir Sani Zaria, a prominent Islamic cleric arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has been transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja for prosecution.
The cleric, who has been held in detention since December 2025, arrived at court under heavy security escort. He is among six individuals, including military officers, charged with plotting to wage war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the 13-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Sheikh Sani is accused of conspiracy to commit felony in multiple counts, as well as terrorism financing. Specifically, he is alleged to have retained N2 million in his Jaiz Bank account—funds transferred by a company linked to Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, identified as a key figure in the coup plot. This offense is said to violate the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
The case has sparked controversy over his prolonged detention. On Monday, Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court ordered Sheikh Sani’s immediate unconditional release, citing violations of his constitutional rights under Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. The judge imposed a N2 million fine each on the DIA and the Department of State Services (DSS) for detaining him without trial for over four months.
Justice Lifu also directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank to pay N1 million each in compensation for freezing the cleric’s account without a court order. Additionally, the security agencies were instructed to issue a public apology for breaching his fundamental rights.
The court condemned the DIA’s refusal to comply with judicial orders, emphasizing that no agency is above the law. Justice Lifu stressed Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights conventions and the constitutional protections afforded to all citizens.
Despite the release order, Sheikh Sani is now facing prosecution, with the Attorney General’s office moving forward with the charges. His legal team maintains his innocence, asserting that the funds in question were transferred by a disciple and not linked to any coup conspiracy.
The case has drawn attention to the balance between national security and civil liberties in Nigeria, as authorities continue to investigate the alleged coup plot.
