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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Tijjaniyya Grassroot Mobilization and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TIGMEIN) and Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, warning that failure to comply will lead to a withdrawal of support Over Seven Millions members for the Federal Government and the ruling party.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna Sayyadi Nasiru Sheikh Bello, State Coordinator of TIGMEIN said Sheikh Sani has been held in custody for several months without clear charges, fair trial, or justification under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and fair hearing.
The groups cited a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that declared the scholar’s continued detention unlawful and ordered his immediate release.
“The court also awarded N8 million in damages for the unlawful restriction of his bank accounts and prolonged detention, describing it as a judicial rebuke of the actions of security agencies and the Federal Government.
Instead of complying, TIGMEIN said the Federal Government delayed full compliance and later initiated fresh charges against Sheikh Sani, effectively re-arresting him after a judge had declared his detention unlawful.
The group described the pattern of detention without trial, a court order for release, compensation, and then new charges as “a clear act of injustice and abuse of legal process.”
TIGMEIN and the Concerned Citizens listed five demands: immediate compliance with the court order for unconditional release; a halt to any attempt to re-arrest or re-charge the scholar in a way that circumvents the judgment; public disclosure of the basis for the new charges; payment of the full N5 million damages awarded; and accountability for the prolonged detention without trial.
The groups appealed to the judiciary to remain vigilant against executive overreach and urged civil society, the media, and Nigerians of conscience to monitor the case and resist any attempt to turn a judicial victory into a political vendetta.
The groups remain committed to peaceful advocacy and the rule of law but warned that if the demand is not met, they will withdraw total support for the government and mobilize others to do the same.
“Democracy cannot stand on the foundation of selective justice and the harassment of religious leaders exercising their constitutional rights,” Bello said.
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