The federal high court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce in court on February 18 following allegations linking him to a coup conspiracy against ’s administration.
In January, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that 16 military officers were detained in the first week of the month over the alleged coup attempt against the president Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On Friday, Justice delivered a ruling in a fundamental rights enforcement case filed by the cleric, who has remained in custody since December 2025.
Sani Zaria was first taken into custody by the (EFCC) before being transferred to the DIA.
Those listed as respondents in the suit include the EFCC, DIA, the attorney-general of the federation, and .
The cleric is requesting his freedom, insisting that there is no lawful basis for his continued detention.
During the hearing, the federal government was unable to present a valid court order backing his detention, drawing strong remarks from the judge.
Justice Lifu had earlier instructed the DIA to either provide such an order or explain the detention under relevant laws, including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The court criticised the extended detention and ordered the agency to produce the cleric before it, with the possibility of granting him bail while further proceedings continue.