By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Human rights groups raise alarm over prolonged detention without charge
Fresh concerns over human rights and due process in Nigeria have emerged following reports that the Nigerian government has allegedly detained a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Khalifa, for several weeks without formal charges, before transferring him to an undisclosed location.
Sheikh Khalifa, a respected cleric based in Zaria, Kaduna State, is said to have been held in custody for over 23 days, with neither his family nor legal representatives informed of his whereabouts.
The alleged detention has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from civil rights advocates who describe the development as another troubling example of arbitrary arrests in the country.
How the Alleged Detention Began
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the ordeal of the cleric reportedly began quietly when his bank account was frozen without prior notice. The move, sources claim, was carried out without any written explanation or court order—an action that immediately raised suspicions.
When enquiries were made at the bank’s Zaria branch, officials allegedly informed Sheikh Khalifa that the issue could only be resolved at the institution’s headquarters in Abuja.
Acting on that directive, the cleric reportedly travelled to the federal capital in good faith, hoping to restore access to his account. However, what followed, sources say, marked the beginning of his disappearance.
Security Operatives Allegedly Intercept Cleric in Abuja
Upon arriving in Abuja, Sheikh Khalifa was allegedly intercepted by security operatives and taken into custody. Since then, his family and associates claim they have not seen or heard from him.
Sources allege that the basis for his detention is a claim that a soldier accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot once transferred ₦2 million into the cleric’s bank account. This transaction, authorities reportedly argue, suggests a possible link between the cleric and the detained soldier.
However, individuals close to Sheikh Khalifa have strongly disputed this narrative.
Associates Deny Any Political or Criminal Links
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source familiar with the cleric’s activities dismissed the allegations as misleading and unfounded.
According to the source, Sheikh Khalifa has no personal, political, or financial relationship with the soldier in question. The only connection, they explained, was indirect and brief.
“The Sheikh was once introduced to the soldier over the phone by one of his students,” the source said. “They exchanged greetings. That was all.”
The source further explained that the soldier later obtained the cleric’s account number through the same student and sent ₦2 million, requesting prayers and spiritual blessings—an act described as common practice among religious followers.
“There was no political discussion, no hidden agenda, and no criminal intention,” the source stressed. “It was simply a request for prayers.”
Growing Fear of Broad Crackdown
The situation has sparked fear among religious leaders and civilians, with sources claiming that anyone who ever had financial dealings with the detained soldier is now being tracked.
“This has gone beyond reasonable investigation,” another associate said. “It now feels like guilt by association.”
As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has publicly confirmed Sheikh Sani Khalifa’s detention, nor have any charges been announced against him.
Family Demands Due Process
Family members and close associates are reportedly demanding either the immediate release of the cleric or his formal arraignment in court, in line with Nigerian law.
Legal experts note that prolonged detention without charge, denial of access to lawyers, and failure to disclose a detainee’s location violate both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights conventions to which the country is a signatory.
Context: Ongoing Military Detentions
The alleged detention of Sheikh Khalifa comes amid heightened security tensions in the country. In October 2025, reports emerged that 16 senior military officers were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While the government has defended its actions as necessary for national security, critics argue that the current trend reflects an erosion of civil liberties.
A Test for Rule of Law
The Sheikh Sani Khalifa detention case has now become a focal point in the broader debate over state power, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria. Observers warn that failure to address the matter transparently could deepen public distrust in security institutions.
For now, the whereabouts of the Zaria-based cleric remain unknown, and calls for clarity and justice continue to grow.
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