By Paul Joseph
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Abdulladir Zaria, who had been detained over allegations of involvement in a coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that the prolonged detention of the 75-year-old cleric by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) violated his fundamental rights, particularly his right to personal liberty and fair hearing.
The court imposed a fine of ₦2 million each on both security agencies for keeping the cleric in custody for over two months without trial, describing the action as a breach of constitutional safeguards.
In the same ruling, Justice Lifu ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank to pay ₦1 million each in damages to Sheikh Zaria for freezing his bank account without a valid court order.
The judge further directed the DIA and DSS to issue a public apology to the cleric, faulting the agencies for disregarding court directives and acting in a manner that undermines the rule of law.
Sheikh Zaria had been detained since December 2025 after being linked to individuals allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Authorities had cited a ₦2 million transfer into his account as suspicious, though the cleric insisted the funds were sent by one of his followers.
Justice Lifu emphasized that Nigeria, as a signatory to international human rights conventions, is obligated to uphold due process and avoid unlawful detention practices.
The court also ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure immediate compliance with its judgment.
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