DIA Transfers Detained Zaria Cleric to DSS Over Alleged Coup Plot

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has transferred Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria to the Department of State Services (DSS) amid allegations linking him to a plot against the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The development emerged during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Peter Lifu had earlier directed the DIA to produce the cleric on February 18 for the hearing of his bail application.

At Wednesday’s session, counsel to the cleric, Mohammed Sheriff, informed the court that his client had been moved to the DSS. The DIA did not present the cleric in court. Court officials later indicated that Justice Lifu was attending the inauguration of 14 newly appointed Federal High Court judges at the Supreme Court.

Sheikh Abdulkadir is challenging his detention through a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the DIA, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc. He is seeking his release from custody.

According to family sources, the cleric’s detention may be connected to a ₦2 million transfer reportedly sent to the bank account of the detained leader of the Fityanul Islam Tijanniyya sect by one of his followers, who has been implicated in the alleged coup investigation.

In earlier remarks, the court noted that the applicant has been held in what authorities described as “safe custody” since December 11, 2025, without access to his family or associates, following the launch of a security investigation.