The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the unconditional release of Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria and awarded him a total of N5 million in damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights by security agencies and a commercial bank.
In a judgment delivered on Monday by Justice Peter O. Lifu, the court held that the prolonged detention of the cleric without a valid court order breached his rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In a certified true copy of the judgement sighted by Daily Trust, a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/55/2026, was filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 by Sheikh Zaria against five respondents: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Attorney-General of the Federation, Jaiz Bank Plc, and the State Security Service (SSS).
Justice Lifu directed the 3rd Respondent (the Attorney-General of the Federation), as the Chief Law Officer, to ensure full compliance with the court’s orders.
The court specifically ordered the unconditional and immediate release of the applicant.
It also declared the restriction placed on the cleric’s Jaiz Bank account without a court order as unlawful and a breach of his fundamental rights.
The judge awarded N1 million each against the 1st (EFCC) and 4th (Jaiz Bank Plc) respondents for the unlawful restriction on the account.
He further awarded N4 million jointly and severally against the 2nd (DIA) and 5th (SSS) respondents for the gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights.
Additionally, the 2nd and 5th respondents were ordered to publish a written apology to the applicant in accordance with Section 35(6) of the Constitution.
The 4th respondent (Jaiz Bank) was directed to lift the restriction on the account forthwith.
During proceedings, counsel to the applicant, led by Sunusi Musa SAN, with a team including A.M. Mohammed, Bala Umar, P.A. Adewuyi, and others, appeared in court. Counsel for the 1st respondent was O.O. Adeola Esq., while A.S. Gobir Esq. represented the 4th respondent.
The 2nd and 3rd respondents were absent and unrepresented. Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George SAN and others appeared for a party seeking to be joined.
The case stemmed from the cleric’s detention since late 2025 after he travelled to Abuja to resolve issues relating to the freezing of his bank account over an alleged N2 million transaction linked to investigations involving a coup plot suspect.
His family had raised concerns over his whereabouts, and earlier court hearings in February and March 2026 had seen the government try to produce a valid detention order.
The Attorney-General of the Federation has been mandated to ensure compliance with the orders.