Zaria Islamic Scholar Held For Weeks Over Alleged Plot Against Tinubu.

A prominent Islamic scholar based in Zaria, Sani Khalifa, has reportedly been in detention for 23 days over alleged links to a purported coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to sources familiar with the matter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Khalifa was said to have been arrested in Abuja shortly after traveling from Zaria to address an unexplained freeze on his bank account. His detention continues despite repeated public statements by the Federal Government denying the existence of any coup plot against the Tinubu administration.

According to informed sources, the ordeal began when Khalifa’s bank account was blocked without prior notice. After attempts to resolve the issue at the bank’s Zaria branch proved unsuccessful, he was directed to the institution’s headquarters in Abuja, where security operatives reportedly detained him.

Sources claim that Khalifa’s detention is linked to a ₦2 million transfer into his account from a military officer allegedly involved in the coup plot. Family members and associates, however, maintain that the cleric had no personal connection with the officer. A family source explained that the transaction was facilitated through one of Khalifa’s disciples, who knew the officer, and that the funds were intended for prayers and blessings, with no political discussions or agreements involved.

Reports indicate that senior military officers have been arrested in connection with an alleged plan to overthrow the government, with the plot reportedly set for October 27. Among those detained were 14 army officers, a naval officer, and an air force officer, led by Brigadier-General Musa Sadiq. The residence of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was also searched, though he denied involvement.

A student of Khalifa stated that internal inquiries reportedly cleared the cleric’s name, noting that he does not appear on any formal list of suspects. Despite this, he remains in custody.

Nigeria’s Constitution requires that suspects be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and arraigned in court within a reasonable period, while international human rights law prohibits prolonged incommunicado detention. As of press time, the Federal Government had not publicly acknowledged Khalifa’s arrest or provided a legal basis for his continued detention.