Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged for the immediate release or prosecution of Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, characterizing his extended detention without trial as a breach of fundamental rights. According to reports, Atiku articulated his concern regarding the cleric’s prolonged confinement since December 2025 in a statement released on Wednesday through his media office.
In the statement, it was indicated that Sheikh Khalifa has been detained due to purported involvement in a coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yet no formal charges have been filed against him in any court.Atiku contended that the prolonged detention of the cleric without adherence to due process raises significant constitutional and human rights issues.
The former vice president further asserted that a standing order from the Federal High Court, which mandates authorities to present the cleric in court, has not been complied with.
He characterized the development as a significant challenge to the rule of law and judicial authority.”The preservation of democracy is contingent upon a rigorous adherence to the rule of law.
No security agency possesses authority above the Constitution, nor does any have the right to treat the rights of citizens as privileges that can be arbitrarily rescinded,” the statement indicated.Atiku additionally cautioned that detaining the cleric without access to his family, legal representation, and adequate medical care constitutes a violation of his constitutional rights.
He warned that permitting such practices by security agencies could jeopardize the democratic foundations of Nigeria.
The former vice president also voiced his apprehension regarding the escalating public speculation concerning the cleric’s health, indicating that the lack of communication from authorities has exacerbated uncertainty and mistrust among the populace.”Nigeria cannot maintain its claim to democracy while the rights of its citizens are consistently and egregiously infringed upon,” he remarked.
Atiku called upon security agencies to promptly either release Sheikh Sani Khalifa or formally charge him before an appropriate court without undue delay.
He emphasized that any action falling short of this would constitute unlawful detention and an abuse of authority.
Inquiries Frequently Addressed
What are the main concerns raised by Atiku Abubakar regarding Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria’s detention?
Atiku Abubakar expressed concern that Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria has been detained without trial since December 2025, which he views as a breach of fundamental rights and a violation of constitutional law. He emphasized that the detention lacks adherence to due process and involves the failure to present the cleric in court despite a court order.
Why does Atiku Abubakar consider Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria’s detention problematic for Nigeria’s democracy?
Atiku believes that the prolonged detention without formal charges undermines the rule of law and judicial authority, which are essential for maintaining democracy. He warned that such practices by security agencies could threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations and constitutional rights.
What legal issues are involved in the detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria?
The legal issues include the detention without formal charges being filed, failure to comply with a Federal High Court order to present the cleric in court, and the indefinite detention without access to legal representation, family, or medical care, which constitute violations of constitutional rights.
What actions has Atiku Abubakar called for in relation to Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria’s detention?
Atiku has called for the immediate release of Sheikh Sani Khalifa or for him to be formally charged in court without delay. He stressed that any detention lacking formal charges or court proceedings amounts to unlawful detention and an abuse of authority.
How has the lack of communication from authorities affected public perception of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria’s detention?
The absence of communication from authorities has increased public speculation about the cleric’s health, creating uncertainty and mistrust among the populace and raising concerns about transparency and human rights violations.
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