11 February 2026/ Breaking News/ SUNTV Global Channel reporting
A Federal High Court in Abuja was thrown into turmoil on Thursday as the Nigerian government failed to produce a court order justifying the continued detention of Kaduna Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria.
The cleric, accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot, has been detained for 25 days without charge, sparking widespread concern among his family and followers.
During the hearing, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) claimed it was holding Sheikh Khalifa on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but failed to provide the court order allegedly backing the detention.
Counsel to the DIA, I.O. Odom, Esq, pleaded for more time, citing the unavailability of the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel (SIP), who allegedly had custody of the relevant documents.
Visibly displeased, Justice Peter Lifu questioned why the defence couldn’t even state the name of the court that allegedly issued the order, the date it was granted, or any identifying details.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter for ruling on Friday, leaving the fate of Sheikh Khalifa hanging.
The cleric’s family and lawyers are fighting for his release, citing violations of his fundamental rights. His wife, Hajiya Ramatu Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, expressed her distress, saying, “I am alone at home with the children. I am under serious tension. I feel dizzy, and I cannot sleep.”
Sheikh Khalifa’s son, Sunusi Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, revealed that the family was initially told his father was being investigated over a N2 million transfer.
The government’s inability to provide a valid detention order has sparked intense scrutiny, with many questioning the legality of the cleric’s continued custody.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
