Public concern is mounting over the continued detention of Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, a prominent Islamic scholar and elder statesman widely respected across Northern Nigeria for his decades-long dedication to Islamic education and community peacebuilding.
Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria is renowned for his deep commitment to the Maliki School of thought and the principles of Sufism. Over the years, he has consistently preached peaceful coexistence, tolerance, national unity, and offered prayers for Nigeria and its leaders teachings that have earned him respect beyond religious and ethnic boundaries.
According to family sources, the circumstances surrounding his detention stem from a request made by one of his students, who asked the cleric to offer prayers for the success, safety, and growth of his employer.
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The student reportedly facilitated a phone conversation between the Khalifa and the employer. Following the conversation, a sum of approximately ₦2 million was transferred into the cleric’s bank account.
Family members further disclosed that the Khalifa later discovered his bank account had been blocked, with the transaction cited as the reason.
While attempting to seek clarification from the relevant authorities, he was reportedly arrested about three weeks ago.
Since then, there has been no official public information regarding his whereabouts, the specific allegations against him, or whether he has been formally charged or arraigned before a court.
Observers note that both the phone conversation and the financial transaction are verifiable through call logs and banking records, raising questions about the necessity of prolonged detention without transparent communication.
The situation has continued to fuel anxiety and speculation among followers, religious leaders, and members of the public.
Amid the growing concern, calls are increasing for relevant government authorities and security agencies to clarify Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria’s status, uphold due process, grant access to his family and legal representatives, and communicate transparently in the interest of justice, peace, and national unity.