Opinion

By Comrade Mustapha Nuhu Wali, mni There is growing public concern over the continued detention of Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, a renowned Islamic scholar and respected elder statesman widely known across Northern Nigeria for his lifelong commitment to Islamic education, particularly the Maliki School of Thought and the philosophy of Sufism. Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria is also well respected for consistently preaching peaceful coexistence, tolerance, national unity, and prayers for Nigeria and its leaders. His influence transcends religious and social boundaries, and his teachings have contributed significantly to harmony within many communities. According to family sources, the incident that led to his detention arose when one of his students requested him to offer prayers for his employer’s success, safety, and growth. The student reportedly facilitated a phone conversation between the Khalifa and his employer. Subsequently, a sum of approximately ₦2 million was transferred into the Khalifa’s bank account. Read Also: Food Waivers Threaten Northern Agriculture, Says Wali Family sources further state that the Khalifa later discovered that his bank account had been blocked, and upon inquiry, the transaction was cited as the reason. In the process of seeking clarification from the relevant authorities, Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria was reportedly arrested about three weeks ago. Since then, there has been no clear public information regarding his whereabouts, charges, or arraignment before a court of law. It is important to note that the phone conversation and financial transaction involved are fully verifiable using modern technology, including call records and banking transaction trails. Given this, the continued detention of a respected religious leader without clear communication appears unnecessary and is only fueling suspicion, anxiety, and public concern. We respectfully call on the relevant government authorities and security agencies to clarify his status, ensure due process, allow access to his family and legal representatives, and communicate transparently in the interest of peace, justice, and national unity.