Court Orders Release of Cleric Detained Over Coup Allegations

On a recent ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ordered the immediate and unconditional release of a 75-year-old cleric who had been unlawfully detained for two months by the Department of State Services (DSS). The court found that the DSS's actions violated the cleric's fundamental rights, breaching sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Justice Lifu imposed a fine of 2 million naira on the DSS as compensation for the cleric. The court also criticized the DSS for failing to comply with previous court orders, including its refusal to produce the detainee in court.

The cleric was arrested in December 2025, allegedly linked to a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, with claims that 2 million naira was involved in the conspiracy. Despite the allegations, the cleric denied any wrongdoing.

The court directed the DSS to publicly apologize and warned that Nigeria, as a signatory to international human rights conventions, must avoid actions that victimize individuals.