Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.

Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.

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The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.

During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.

Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.

In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.

Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.

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Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.

Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.

“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has come under renewed public scrutiny following a strongly worded statement by former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who accused him of multiple human rights violations and abuse of power during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

In a detailed commentary circulated online, Omokri urged Nigerians not to sympathise with the former governor amid his ongoing political and legal challenges, alleging a pattern of repression and authoritarian conduct while in office.

Allegations of Human Rights Violations

Omokri referenced the 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, in Zaria, Kaduna State. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Shiite members, with the official figure put at 347. Other accounts have suggested higher casualty numbers.

He accused el-Rufai’s administration of contributing to what he described as the “barbaric treatment” of Zakzaky and the mass casualties recorded during the incident.

Disappearance of Abubakar Idris

Omokri also revisited the case of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who was reportedly abducted from his residence in Kaduna on August 2, 2019, shortly before Jumu’ah prayers. Idris has not been seen since his disappearance.

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The former aide claimed that the activist’s family — his wife and two daughters — continue to live in trauma, alleging that the incident occurred under what he described as an oppressive regime in Kaduna State.

Arrests and Alleged Harassment of Critics

According to Omokri, several journalists and activists were arrested during el-Rufai’s administration for critical reporting. Among those he mentioned were Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Segun Onibiyo, Midat Joseph, and Audu Maikori.

Maikori, a lawyer and activist, reportedly left Nigeria for the United States following his legal battles with the Kaduna State Government at the time.

Demolition of Properties Linked to Political Opponents

The statement further accused el-Rufai of demolishing properties allegedly linked to political adversaries.

Among those cited was Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, whose residence was reportedly demolished in the early hours of the morning during a period of political disagreement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State.

Omokri also alleged that properties associated with Aisha Mercy Yakubu and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), were demolished following disputes with the former governor.

Financial Allegations

In addition to human rights concerns, Omokri pointed to allegations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing el-Rufai of involvement in the alleged mismanagement or diversion of ₦423 billion during his administration. The former governor has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, and the matter remains within the realm of political and legal processes.

Political Tensions

The commentary also criticised el-Rufai for recently accusing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of being responsible for his current political predicament. Omokri dismissed the claim, stating that legal scrutiny should not be equated with persecution.

As of press time, el-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest remarks.

The renewed accusations have sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with supporters and critics sharply divided over the former governor’s legacy in Kaduna State.

Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship