Kaduna Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Seeks Court Order To End Detention, Alleges Rights Violations
Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, a prominent Islamic scholar from Zaria and leader of the Fityanul Islam Tijaniyya sect, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking intervention over his continued detention. He argues that his fundamental rights including dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement, have been violated.
In a suit filed under reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/55/2026, Sheikh Khalifa listed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
Through a motion ex parte dated January 12, 2026, his legal team urged the court to order his immediate release pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.
Alternatively, they requested that the respondents be directed to produce him in court on a specified date so he could be considered for bail.
The application, supported by an affidavit sworn to by Ibrahim Abdulkadir Sani of Zaria, Kaduna State, emphasized the urgency of the matter. Counsel to the applicant, S. Musa, SAN, and P. A. Adewuyi, Esq., argued the motion before the court.
In his ruling, Justice P. O. Lifu directed the respondents to show cause within 72 hours why the reliefs sought by the applicant should not be granted, effectively giving authorities a limited timeframe to justify the detention.
Sheikh Khalifa’s prolonged absence has sparked concern among his family and followers.
He was reportedly last seen over 25 days ago after traveling to Abuja to address issues related to the alleged freezing of his bank account.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters quoted his wife, Hajiya Ramatu Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, describing the distressing situation. She said she has not heard from her husband since he left for Abuja, noting that his phone has remained switched off for 25 days.
She added that she has been struggling to care for their children amid growing anxiety and fear.
Speaking to RFI International in Kaduna, she described living under intense emotional strain, saying she has been unable to sleep and feels constant dizziness but is trying to remain strong for the sake of her children.
The scholar’s son, Sunusi Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, explained that the family was informed his father was being questioned over an alleged transfer of about N2 million into his account. According to him, officials later referred to the issue as a “military case,” and soldiers were said to have interrogated his father.
He further stated that authorities claimed his father agreed to refund the money. However, since that interaction, the family has not seen or heard from him.
The family has also dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that the cleric was arrested for allegedly receiving funds to offer prayers for individuals linked to a coup plot. They maintain that no such allegation has been formally communicated to them by the authorities.
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