Atiku Calls for Sheikh Sani Khalifa's Release or Charges

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has emphasized the need for the urgent release of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, a cleric based in Kaduna. He criticized the cleric's ongoing detention without trial as a significant breach of his constitutional rights.

Reports indicate that Sheikh Khalifa has been in custody since December 2025 due to accusations of involvement in a coup plot, yet he has not been formally charged in any court.

This extended period of detention raises serious concerns regarding both constitutional and human rights.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku pointed out that a current Federal High Court order requesting the cleric's presentation in court has been disregarded. He characterized this action as a blatant challenge to judicial authority and the rule of law.

The leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) stated, "Democracy cannot thrive without a strict commitment to the rule of law. No security agency is above the Constitution, and none has the right to treat citizens' rights as privileges that can be dispensed at will."

Atiku further cautioned that Sheikh Khalifa's ongoing detention—without access to family, legal representation, or adequate medical care—signifies a gross violation of his rights under the Constitution.

He warned that condoning such behavior from security agencies poses a substantial threat to Nigeria’s democratic structure and risks undermining the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Additionally, Atiku expressed concern about the increasing public speculation regarding the cleric's well-being, highlighting that the authorities' silence has exacerbated uncertainty and eroded trust.

"Nigeria cannot maintain its claim to democracy while the rights of its citizens are continually and openly violated," he asserted.

Atiku urged all relevant security bodies to either promptly release Sheikh Sani Khalifa or bring him before a competent court without further delay, insisting that any failure to do so amounts to illegal detention and an abuse of power.