Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of prominent Islamic scholar, Sani Abdulladir Zaria, from the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The cleric, 75, had been held for over two months following his arrest in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Delivering judgment on Monday in a fundamental rights enforcement suit, Justice Lifu ruled that the detention violated the cleric’s constitutional rights. He imposed a fine of N2 million each on the DIA and DSS for breaching provisions of the Nigerian Constitution relating to personal liberty and fair hearing.
In addition, the court ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank to pay N1 million each in damages for freezing Zaria’s bank account without a valid court order.
The court also directed the security agencies to issue a public apology to the cleric for the violation of his fundamental rights.
Zaria was arrested in December 2025 and held in what authorities described as “safe custody,” without access to his family or legal representatives. His detention followed allegations that he had links to individuals involved in the purported coup plot, including a N2 million transfer traced to his account.
Although the cleric reportedly agreed to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government, security agencies continued his detention to investigate his alleged involvement. He maintained that the money came from a disciple and denied any wrongdoing.
Justice Lifu criticized the DIA for disregarding court orders, including its failure to produce the detainee when required. He stressed that no agency of government is above the rule of law and warned against actions that undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights conventions.
The court further directed the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure full and immediate compliance with the judgment.
Zaria’s legal team, led by senior advocates, had instituted the suit against the DIA, DSS, EFCC, the Attorney General, and Jaiz Bank, challenging both his detention and the freezing of his assets.
