DSS Transfers Islamic Cleric Linked to Alleged Coup Attempt to Abuja Court

Sheik Abdukadir Sani Zaria, an Islamic scholar apprehended by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over accusations of involvement in an attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja to face trial.

Accompanied by security personnel and associates, the cleric is among six individuals facing charges filed by the Federal Government.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is prosecuting the group, which includes military officers accused of conspiring to wage war against Nigeria.

Sani faces multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit a felony, concealing information about the alleged coup, and supporting the conspirators. Prosecutors specifically highlight count 9, which accuses the cleric of money laundering.

He allegedly received N2 million in his Jaiz Bank account from A & A Express Link Concept, a company linked to the purported mastermind of the plot, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji.

This development follows a recent ruling by Justice Peter Odo Lifu. On Monday, the judge ordered the cleric’s unconditional release, noting that his detention since December 2025 without trial violated his constitutional rights.

Justice Lifu fined the DIA and DSS N2 million each and ordered the EFCC and Jaiz Bank to pay N1 million each for freezing the cleric’s account without a court order.

The court also directed the security agencies to issue a public apology to Sani. Justice Lifu criticized the DIA for disregarding the rule of law and failing to produce the detainee when previously ordered.

While Sani had offered to forfeit the N2 million in question to secure his freedom, security agencies kept him in custody to investigate his potential role in the coup plot. The cleric maintains his innocence, claiming the funds originated from a disciple.