By SUNTV Global Channel
January 7, 2026 | News
The family of Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, a respected Zaria-based Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijaniyya sect Fityanul Islam, has raised serious concerns over his disappearance, claiming he has been detained in Abuja for 25 days under undisclosed circumstances.
Sheikh Khalifa, widely known in Kaduna State for his religious leadership, reportedly left home to Abuja to resolve issues regarding a blocked bank account. Since then, he has not been seen or heard from, sparking fear and anxiety among his family.
Speaking to RFI International, monitored in Kaduna, Sheikh Khalifa’s wife, Hajiya Ramatu Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, said her husband left for Abuja early in the morning, assuring her he would return the same day.
“He knocked on my door, gave me money for household expenses, and said he was going to Abuja and would return the same day, God willing,” she recounted. “From that day until now, I have not heard his voice. His phone is always switched off. Today marks 25 days since I last spoke to him.”
Hajiya Ramatu said the prolonged absence has left her struggling to care for their children while living in constant fear.
The scholar’s son, Sunusi Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, said that after Sheikh Khalifa’s bank account was blocked, they were told the action was taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and could only be resolved at its Abuja office. Sunusi added that the EFCC allegedly linked the scholar to a sum of N2 million under investigation.
“The officials said it was connected to someone seeking prayers for personal matters, which my father carried out. Later, the situation was described as a military case, soldiers were informed, and they said they would come to question him. Since then, we have not seen him,” Sunusi said.
The family reports receiving only one brief phone call from Sheikh Khalifa during the 25-day period, confirming he was “fine,” but providing no further information about his detention or condition.
Responding to circulating claims that the scholar’s detention was related to allegedly receiving money to pray for individuals planning a coup, the family denied any knowledge of such allegations.
“We don’t know anything about that because no authority has informed us,” Sunusi said.
The family has appealed to relevant authorities to disclose Sheikh Khalifa’s whereabouts or release him immediately, stressing that the prolonged silence has caused severe trauma and anxiety.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Department of State Services (DSS) nor other relevant authorities have provided any official statement regarding the scholar’s detention.
This incident raises growing concerns about transparency and accountability in cases involving prominent religious figures and prolonged detentions without official explanation in Nigeria.
