The Tijjaniyya Sufi Order has urged its millions of followers in Nigeria to refrain from making statements that would be counter-productive to the ongoing court case involving Sheikh AbdulƘadir Sani Khalifa Zaria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by the National Vice Chairman of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula, urged Tijjaniya followers to be steadfast in their prayers for the ultimate victory of the cleric.
Recall that Sheikh Khalifa was arrested five months ago, and arraigned last week for alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu administration. He pleaded ‘not guilty” to the 13-count charge leveled against him before a Federal High Court Abuja.
The Tijjaniyya order assured that Sheikh Khalifa would be discharged and acquitted by the court, just like an earlier court ordered his immediate and unconditional release from detention.
The statement further read in part: “”For nearly four months, the revered cleric was held incommunicado, with no access to his family members, legal representation nor personal physician — fueling speculations about his failing health and general well-being. Until on the March 25, 2026, when he was allowed to be visited by his legal team and one of the Islamic scholars after his transfer to DSS custody.
“To arrest the palpable situation into snowballing into a breach of law and order, a team of lawyers on the cleric’s behalf, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the DIA, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc, seeking his release from detention.
“On the April 20, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided by Justice Peter Lifu, ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Khalifa Zaria, while also declaring the restriction placed on his bank account illegal and awarding him N6 million in damages. The court held that the Islamic cleric’s fundamental human rights had been violated, citing breaches of Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The court directed the DSS to release the Sheikh forthwith, and also ordered Jaiz Bank to lift the restriction placed on the applicant’s bank account number without delay. The court further held that the action of the EFCC and Jaiz Bank in restricting the account without a court order was unlawful and amounted to a breach of the applicant’s fundamental human rights.
“On the April 21, 2026, the Federal Government filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani Khalifa Zaria, over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism. On the April 22, 2026, the Federal Government arraigned Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani Khalifa Zaria, alongside five other suspects at the Federal High Court Abuja, presided by Justice Joyce AbdulMalik. The sheikh (suspect) pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges and the case was adjourned to April 27, 2026 for the commencement of trial. Amazingly, Sheikh AbdulƘadir Sani Khalifa Zaria told the court that he was meeting other suspects he is being charged with for the first time in his life in the courtroom.
“As law-abiding citizens, we have confidence on the Nigerian judiciary. The same manner the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic scholar, we have confidence and faith that Sheikh AbdulƘadir Sani Khalifa Zaria would be discharged and acquitted by the court in the ongoing trial.
“We use this opportunity to call on all Tijjaniyya followers across Nigeria to remain patient, law-abiding, and engage in fervent and constant prayers for the victory of Sheikh AbdulƘadir Sani Khalifa Zaria in the ongoing trial. We remain confident that Sheikh Khalifa Zaria is innocent, and justice will be served, and that the truth will prevail.
“We seize this opportunity to thank leaders of Tijjaniyya at all levels, all Islamic organizations from various schools of thought and order, particularly the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), the civil societies, human rights activists, concerned Christian clergies and Christian community, members of the press, international community, and the Sheikh’s legal team for their continued unwavering support at this challenging and trying moment of Sheikh AbdulƘadir Sani Khalifa Zaria and his family, the Tijjaniyya community and Muslims in general”.
