By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Tijjaniya Youth Forum has called on the Federal Government to arraign Sheikh Sani Khalifah ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The National Tijjaniya Youth Forum has called on the Federal Government to arraign Sheikh Sani Khalifah Zaria in court, expressing concern over his prolonged detention without trial.
The group made its position known during a meeting involving youths and scholars of the Tijjaniya sect, held at Yayi’s Guest House in Minna, Niger State.
Speaking to journalists, the Niger State leader of the forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, said the gathering reflected the collective voice of over one million Tijjaniya youths seeking clarity and justice over the continued detention of their spiritual leader.
“We are not satisfied with the continued detention of our leader without due process,” Aminu said, stressing that both religious teachings and the laws of Nigeria guarantee the right to a fair hearing.
He explained that findings by the group indicated that individuals had visited the Sheikh for prayers, during which funds were reportedly transferred into his Ja’iz Bank account—an account later frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Since these are allegations, the proper course of action is to charge him to court so the law can take its course. However, he has remained in custody for over 100 days,” he added.
Aminu also recalled the political support given by Tijjaniya followers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that members of the sect expected fairness and justice in return.
Despite their concerns, he confirmed that leaders who visited the Sheikh found him in good condition, adding that there were no signs of mistreatment. He, however, reiterated the demand for his arraignment to ensure transparency and peace of mind among followers.
In his remarks, the National President of the Tijjaniya Youth Forum, Faruk Yusuf Balarabe (Sidi Sadauki), said the organisation, established over three years ago, now has a presence in 21 states across the country.
He noted that the forum was created to unify Tijjaniya youths and address challenges collectively, emphasizing that it is not politically driven but engages in civic matters when necessary.
“As an organisation, we do not believe in protests. Instead, we adopt dialogue and lawful engagement in addressing issues,” Balarabe said.
He urged the Federal Government to formally charge the Sheikh in court, allowing the legal process, including the possibility of bail, to take its course.
Balarabe also called on youths to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient, warning against any form of unlawful protest.
“We appeal to our members to continue to respect the law, remain patient, and engage only through legitimate means. We must also be politically conscious and prepared to make informed decisions when necessary,” he said.
Also speaking, Sheikh Muhammadu Kamilu Abubakar, a prominent follower of Sheikh Sani Khalifah Zaria who presided over the session, expressed gratitude that the Sheikh was found in good health but emphasized the need for his release.
He commended the efforts of the youth forum and reiterated that the Tijjaniya path prioritises prayer over confrontation.
“We will continue to pray for his release and for justice to prevail. Our approach remains peaceful, and we urge all followers to remain patient and steadfast,” he said.
The meeting concluded with prayers for the Sheikh’s release and a directive for continued supplications across Tijjaniya centres.
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