Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Abdulladir Zaria from the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The cleric had been detained over alleged links to a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Lifu also fined both the DIA and DSS N2 million each for violating the cleric’s fundamental rights under Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, citing his detention for over two months without trial.
In addition, the court directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank to pay N1 million each in damages for freezing the cleric’s account without a valid court order. The judge further ordered the DIA and DSS to issue a public apology for the breach of his rights.
The case arose from a fundamental rights suit filed by the cleric, who was arrested and held without a court order for allegedly associating with an individual linked to the suspected coup plot.
Justice Lifu criticised the DIA for failing to comply with court directives, particularly its refusal to produce the detainee in court when required. He stressed that no agency is above the law and must operate within the bounds of civil authority.
He also noted that Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights conventions make such violations unacceptable, highlighting that the cleric had been held incommunicado since December 11, 2025, under the guise of “safe custody.”
The court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure full compliance with the judgment.
The cleric was initially detained after N2 million—allegedly traced to one of the suspected plotters—was found in his Jaiz Bank account. Although he agreed to forfeit the sum to the Federal Government, he remained in custody while investigations into his alleged involvement continued.
Maintaining his innocence, the cleric insisted the money was sent by one of his followers and denied any role in the alleged plot.