Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria (HRCSWN) has issued a strong condemnation of the reported arbitrary detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa, a prominent Islamic scholar based in Zaria, expressing grave concern over potential violations of constitutional rights and internationally recognized human rights standards. The organization described the circumstances of his arrest and continued detention as a troubling breach of due process and the rule of law in Nigeria.
According to HRCSWN, Sheikh Khalifa has been deprived of liberty without publicly stated charges, timely arraignment before a competent court, or unrestricted access to legal counsel and family members, raising alarms about systemic disregard for fundamental civil liberties. The organization stressed that allowing such practices to persist sets a dangerous precedent where executive authority overrides established legal frameworks, leaving citizens vulnerable to abuse.
“No security concern, allegation, or investigation can justify the suspension of constitutionally protected rights,” the statement read. HRCSWN emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is grounded on the presumption of innocence, fair hearing, and accountability of state actors, warning that deviation from these principles constitutes a direct affront to justice and human dignity.
The civil society group reminded Nigerian authorities that the protection of human rights is a binding constitutional and international obligation, not a discretionary measure. They cautioned that prolonged or secret detention risks sliding the country towards authoritarian practices and undermining public trust in state institutions.
In its statement, HRCSWN called for immediate compliance with due process, urging security agencies to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied. The organization underscored the wider implications of individual rights violations, noting that the ongoing detention of one person threatens the freedoms of all citizens.
HRCSWN reaffirmed its commitment to defending civil liberties and declared that it would pursue all lawful avenues to guarantee accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights in Nigeria. The organization’s spokesperson, Leftist Precious Omon, stressed that the protection of citizens’ rights remains central to upholding the country’s democratic principles and the rule of law.
The statement signals heightened concern from human rights advocates regarding the treatment of religious scholars and the enforcement of security measures that may conflict with legal protections, highlighting the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.
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