Release Or Persecute Detained Cleric – Atiku

Release Or Persecute Detained Cleric – Atiku

In Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the release or prosecution of Kaduna cleric Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria over his continued detention since December 2025.

He raised concerns about the case in a statement issued through his media office.

The cleric is being held over alleged links to a coup plot but has not been formally charged in court.

Atiku said the situation raises serious legal concerns, especially as a Federal High Court order directing that the cleric be brought before the court has not been followed.

He warned that keeping the cleric in custody without trial, access to family, lawyers, or proper care goes against constitutional rights.

He added that such actions by security agencies could weaken public trust and affect democratic values.

Atiku urged authorities to act without delay by either freeing the cleric or taking him to court.

He said anything less would amount to unlawful detention, stressing the need to respect the rule of law at all times.