Sheikh Abdukadir Sani Zaria, an Islamic scholar, has appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged coup plot against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He was brought to court under heavy security alongside other accused persons.
He is charged with conspiracy to overthrow the government and support for alleged coup plotters. Prosecutors say he is named in several counts of a 13-count charge filed by the Attorney General’s office.
Authorities also allege he received about N2 million linked to a company connected to a military officer accused of leading the plot. The government says this amounts to terrorism financing under Nigerian law.
However, a Federal High Court judge, Peter Odo Lifu, previously ordered his release, ruling that his detention since December 2025 violated his constitutional rights. The court also criticized security agencies for holding him without trial.
The judge ordered compensation for rights violations and a public apology from security agencies. He stressed that Nigeria must respect due process and international human rights obligations even in security-related cases.