Court to Rule on Cleric's Detention as Government Fails to Produce Court Order
The Federal High Court has scheduled a ruling on the legality of the detention of Zaria-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, after the federal government failed to present a court order authorizing his custody. The case, which centers on allegations linked to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's administration, saw significant legal setbacks during proceedings on Thursday, February 12.
Government Unable to Justify Detention in Court
During the hearing, trial judge Justice Peter Lifu questioned the legality of the cleric's detention after security agencies, including the Defence Intelligence Agency, could not produce a court order or provide basic details such as the issuing court or date of the alleged order. The DIA's counsel, I O. Odom, requested additional time, stating the agency was holding the cleric on behalf of the Defence Headquarters and that the chairman of the Special Investigation Panel was out of the country.
Justice Lifu expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation, noting the absence of documentary approval under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The matter arose from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by senior advocate Sunusi Musa, challenging the actions of several state bodies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the DIA, the Attorney General of the Federation, and Jaiz Bank Plc.
Family Sources Link Detention to Bank Transfer
Family sources have connected the cleric's ordeal to a disputed N2 million bank transfer made to the account of the leader of the Fityanul Islam Tijanniyya, who is currently in custody over the coup allegations. The money was reportedly sent by a follower named in the investigation, adding a financial dimension to the case.
An associate of the cleric, Sheikh Aliyu Ahamad Abulfathi, criticized the conduct of federal agencies following the court session, describing the handling of the case as troubling and raising concerns about due process.
Background of Alleged Coup Plot
The cleric's detention is part of broader investigations into an alleged coup plot that reportedly aimed to truncate Nigeria's democracy on October 1, 2025. Reports indicate the planned coup, allegedly involving some military officers, failed and led to the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations by the presidency. The Nigerian military high command has acknowledged that some top officers moved to stage a coup against President Tinubu.
Previous reports have compiled lists of high-ranking Nigerian officials marked for assassination by the coup plotters, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations. The court's upcoming ruling will determine whether the cleric's detention can be legally sustained without proper documentation, setting a potential precedent for similar cases involving national security concerns.
