January 3, 2026 | Abuja / Zaria, Nigeria — Dalena Reporters
The Federal Government of Nigeria is facing mounting criticism over the secret detention of Zaria-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Khalifa, who has reportedly been held in custody for 23 days without formal charges or access to legal counsel raising serious concerns among human rights advocates over due process and the rule of law.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Sheikh Khalifa’s ordeal began after his bank account was abruptly frozen without notice or court order, prompting him to travel from Zaria, Kaduna State, to Abuja to seek clarification. Upon his arrival in the nation’s capital, security operatives allegedly intercepted the cleric and detained him, without notifying his family or allowing him to communicate with legal representatives.
Family members and associates have described the circumstances of his detention as opaque and unlawful. They allege that authorities have provided no formal explanation for his arrest or the legal basis for his continued detention, a situation that appears to contravene Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of fair treatment and timely charge before a court.
The government’s actions reportedly follow a ₦2 million (Nigerian naira) transfer into Sheikh Khalifa’s account from a soldier accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Authorities are said to be using this transaction as justification for the cleric’s detention despite claims from his family that he has no personal or political ties to the soldier and that the funds were sent for prayers and blessings, a common practice among religious disciples.
Critics argue that Sheikh Khalifa’s detention occurs against a backdrop of an ongoing government crackdown linked to a purported coup plot a matter that the Federal Government has publicly denied exists creating heightened tensions and legal ambiguity. Premium Times and other outlets report that, while senior military officers have been arrested in connection with alleged plots, Khalifa’s name reportedly does not appear on any official list of suspects, further placing his continued detention in question.
Human rights groups contend that holding a person in custody without informing them of the reasons for their arrest, and denying access to counsel and family communication, violates both Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards. Calls are growing for immediate judicial review, transparent clarification from security agencies, and the release of Sheikh Khalifa or his formal arraignment in court.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies have not publicly acknowledged Sheikh Khalifa’s detention or provided official statements regarding his status. The cleric’s family continues to demand answers and respect for legal norms as pressure mounts on authorities to justify the extraordinary detention.