Sheikh Zaria Moved to DSS Over Alleged Coup Investigation

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reportedly transferred Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, a prominent Islamic cleric, to the Department of State Services (DSS). 

The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sheikh Zaria, the National Vice President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria, has been in detention since December 2025. He was initially picked up in Abuja after traveling from Zaria to resolve a sudden freeze on his bank account, only to be taken into military custody.

Family and legal sources link his ordeal to a ₦2 million transaction sent to his account by an adherent. This individual was reportedly among the military officers recently indicted in a purported plot to topple the current government.

The cleric’s family and students maintain his innocence, insisting the money was a traditional gift for “prayers and blessings.” They emphasize that the Sheikh has no personal or political relationship with the soldier in question and no involvement in subversive activities.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, under trial Justice Peter Lifu, recently intervened by ordering the DIA to produce the cleric in court. The judge criticized the prolonged detention, noting that all authorities must remain subordinated to civil rule and constitutional law.

During court proceedings, the DIA admitted to holding the scholar on behalf of the Defence Headquarters. The cleric’s legal team, led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), is currently challenging the legality of the detention, which has exceeded the constitutional limit for holding suspects without trial.

The transfer to the DSS signals a shift in the investigation as security agencies continue to probe the alleged coup attempt. Meanwhile, the cleric’s followers and human rights advocates are calling for his immediate release or a transparent arraignment in a court of law.