The federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sani Zaria, a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, in court on February 18 over allegations of his involvement in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In January, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that 16
military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over the alleged
coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On Friday, Peter Lifu, the presiding judge, ruled on a
fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the cleric, who has been in
detention since December 2025.
The sheikh was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being handed over to the DIA.
In the suit, the respondents include the EFCC, DIA, Attorney-General of the Federation, and Jaiz Bank Plc.
The cleric is seeking his release, arguing that his
continued detention lacks proper legal justification.
During proceedings, the federal government failed to produce
a valid court order authorising his detention, prompting sharp criticism from
the bench.
Lifu had earlier directed the DIA to present any such order
or justify the custody under relevant laws, including the Administration of
Criminal Justice Act.
The judge condemned the prolonged detention and ordered the
agency to bring the applicant before the court, ostensibly to consider
admitting him to bail pending further hearings.
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