- He argued that holding the cleric without due legal process raises serious questions
- The former vice president also alleged that security agencies have failed to comply with an existing order
- He noted that growing public concern over the cleric’s welfare has been worsened by the silence of authorities
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release or prosecution of Kaduna-based cleric Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, describing his continued detention without trial as unconstitutional.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Atiku expressed concern that the cleric has remained in custody since December 2025 over alleged links to a coup plot against the government of President Bola Tinubu, without being formally arraigned in court.
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He argued that holding the cleric without due legal process raises serious questions about respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
The former vice president also alleged that security agencies have failed to comply with an existing order of the Federal High Court directing that the cleric be presented in court.
According to him, such actions undermine judicial authority and threaten democratic principles.
Atiku further criticised the lack of access to family members, legal representation, and proper medical care, warning that such conditions amount to a breach of constitutional protections.
He noted that growing public concern over the cleric’s welfare has been worsened by the silence of authorities.
Calling for urgent action, Atiku insisted that the government must either release the cleric or formally charge him in a competent court, stressing that anything short of this constitutes unlawful detention and an abuse of power.
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