Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
An Islamic cleric from Zaria in Kaduna State who is reportedly under investigation over alleged links to a coup plot has been transferred from the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency to the Department of State Services, despite an existing court order relating to his detention, according to legal and security sources familiar with the matter.
The cleric, whose identity has not been officially disclosed by authorities, was initially held by the Defence Intelligence Agency as part of an investigation into an alleged conspiracy targeting constitutional order. Security officials have neither publicly detailed the nature of the alleged plot nor clarified the extent of the suspect’s involvement.
Sources indicate that a court had issued an order concerning the cleric’s custody status, reportedly directing either his release or specific conditions for continued detention. However, rather than being released in compliance with that order, he was transferred to the custody of the Department of State Services, Nigeria’s domestic intelligence and internal security agency.
Legal representatives for the cleric have reportedly challenged the transfer, arguing that it undermines the authority of the court and raises concerns about compliance with judicial directives. Under Nigerian law, detention beyond the period authorized by a competent court may be subject to legal challenge, particularly where habeas corpus or fundamental rights applications have been filed.
The development has sparked renewed debate about the interplay between national security considerations and judicial oversight. Security agencies in Nigeria are vested with broad powers to investigate threats to state stability, including suspected coup plots, terrorism and subversion. However, constitutional safeguards require that detainees be brought before a court within prescribed timeframes and that court orders be respected.
Analysts note that allegations of coup plotting carry significant political sensitivity, particularly in a country with a history of military interventions prior to the return to democratic rule in 1999. Although Nigeria has maintained civilian governance for more than two decades, security agencies remain vigilant against activities deemed capable of undermining constitutional order.
The reported transfer of the cleric from military to domestic intelligence custody raises questions about jurisdiction and procedural compliance. The Defence Intelligence Agency primarily handles military and external intelligence, while the Department of State Services is tasked with internal security operations, including counterintelligence and counter-subversion.
Legal experts argue that once a court has issued an order concerning detention, any subsequent administrative action must align with that directive. Failure to comply, they say, may expose the detaining authority to contempt proceedings or constitutional challenges. At the same time, security practitioners maintain that operational decisions are sometimes influenced by evolving assessments of threat and jurisdictional competence.
Human rights advocates have expressed concern over prolonged detention without transparent disclosure of charges, emphasizing the importance of due process even in cases involving national security allegations. They stress that respect for judicial authority is a cornerstone of democratic governance and public confidence in the rule of law.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Defence Intelligence Agency nor the Department of State Services had issued a detailed public statement explaining the circumstances of the transfer or responding to claims of non-compliance with a court order. Court records relating to the matter have not been made publicly available.
The case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how Nigeria balances security imperatives with constitutional protections. Observers note that credible and transparent legal processes are essential not only to safeguarding individual rights but also to ensuring that prosecutions related to national security withstand judicial review.
For now, the cleric remains in custody under the Department of State Services as legal proceedings continue. The outcome may clarify the boundaries of agency authority and reinforce—or test—the resilience of judicial oversight in cases involving allegations of threats to state stability.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments