Court Orders Release Of Cleric Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of an Islamic scholar, Sani Abdulladir Zaria, from the custody of security agencies.

Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that the detention of the cleric by the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Department of the State Services violated his fundamental rights.

The judge ruled that the 75-year-old was unlawfully detained for over two months without trial in breach of Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution.

The court imposed a fine of ₦2 million on the DIA and the DSS, payable to the cleric as compensation.

Justice Lifu also ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank to pay ₦1 million each for freezing his account without a court order.

In addition, the court directed the security agencies to tender a public apology to the cleric for violating his rights.

Justice Lifu criticised the DIA for failing to comply with court orders, including its refusal to produce the detainee in court.

He stressed that agencies established by law must operate within the bounds of the law.

Cleric Detained Over Alleged Coup Link

Zaria was arrested in December 2025 over alleged links to a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The security agencies claimed he received ₦2 million from an individual allegedly involved in the plot. Although the cleric agreed to forfeit the money, he remained in custody as investigations continued.

The cleric denied any wrongdoing, stating that the individual who transferred the money was one of his followers.

The court directed the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure immediate compliance with the judgment.

Justice Lifu warned that Nigeria, as a signatory to international human rights conventions, must avoid actions that amount to victimisation.