Atiku Calls for Release of Detained Kaduna Cleric

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, a Kaduna-based cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku described the cleric's continued detention without trial as a violation of fundamental rights.

Sheikh Khalifa was arrested in December 2025, but no formal charges have been filed against him in court. Atiku emphasized that holding the cleric without due process poses serious constitutional and human rights concerns.

He noted that a Federal High Court had directed authorities to produce the cleric in court, which has not been complied with, challenging the rule of law and judicial authority. Atiku warned that the cleric's detention without access to family, legal counsel, or adequate medical care constitutes a violation of constitutional rights and cautioned against practices that undermine Nigeria's democratic foundations.

He urged security agencies to either release Sheikh Sani Khalifa immediately or charge him in a competent court without delay.