Freed Cleric Re-Arrested, Charged Over Alleged Coup Plot
Less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his unconditional release from over five months of detention without trial, the Federal Government has filed fresh charges against a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani Zaria, over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The cleric, who had been held since December 2025 in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and later the Department of State Services (DSS), was named among six defendants accused of conspiring to wage war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Sheikh Zaria is listed in multiple counts—1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7—relating to conspiracy and alleged involvement in plans to topple the government, while a separate count (Count 9) accuses him of terrorism financing.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 22.
Allegations Against the Cleric
Prosecutors allege that the cleric conspired with others, including serving and former military officers, to undermine the government, conceal information about the alleged coup plot, and provide support to those involved.
In Count 9, Sheikh Zaria is accused of retaining N2 million in his Jaiz Bank account, allegedly transferred by a company—A & A Express Link Concept—linked to one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, described as the principal suspect in the alleged coup.
The offence, according to the charge, contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Court Orders Release, Awards Damages
The fresh charges come shortly after Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court ruled that the cleric’s prolonged detention without trial violated his fundamental rights.
In his judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Lifu ordered the immediate and unconditional release of the 75-year-old cleric and imposed a fine of N2 million each on the DIA and DSS for breaching Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
The court also awarded N1 million each against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Jaiz Bank for freezing the cleric’s account without a valid court order.
Additionally, the court directed the security agencies to issue a public apology for the unlawful detention.
Justice Lifu criticised the conduct of the DIA, accusing the agency of failing to comply with court orders and acting in disregard of the rule of law.
“As an agency established by law, the DIA must not place itself above the law in the discharge of its functions,” the judge held, stressing that constitutional protections apply to all citizens.
Background to Detention
Sheikh Zaria was arrested on December 11, 2025, following investigations into alleged links with individuals accused of plotting a coup against the government.
Authorities cited the discovery of N2 million in his bank account, allegedly traced to one of the suspects, as part of the basis for his continued detention.
Despite reportedly agreeing to forfeit the funds, the cleric remained in custody as security agencies sought to determine his level of involvement in the alleged plot.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the individual who transferred the money was merely a disciple.
Legal Battle
The cleric had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit through his lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Sunusi Musa and Abdul Aliyu, challenging his detention.
Other respondents in the suit included the EFCC, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Jaiz Bank.
Justice Lifu, in his ruling, emphasised that Nigeria, as a signatory to international human rights conventions, must uphold due process and the rule of law.
Next Steps
With the filing of fresh charges, the case is set to shift from a rights enforcement dispute to a full criminal trial, where the Federal Government will be required to prove the allegations against the cleric and his co-defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from Sheikh Zaria or his legal team regarding the new charges.
By TimesNG