The Tijaniyya Grassroot Mobilization and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TIGMEIN) and Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State have called on the Federal Government to obey the Federal High Court judgment ordering the release of detained Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria.

The group made the call during a press conference held in Kaduna, where it described the continued detention of the cleric despite a valid court ruling as a violation of the rule of law and constitutional rights.

Addressing journalists, the Kaduna State Coordinator of TIGMEIN, Sayyadi Nasiru Sheikh Bello (Hayin Banki), said the Federal Government must respect the judiciary by complying fully with the court’s directive for the unconditional release of the Islamic scholar.

According to the group, the Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled that the detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria violated his fundamental human rights and ordered his immediate release, alongside compensation for damages suffered.

The court also awarded N8 million compensation over the unlawful restriction of the cleric’s bank accounts and prolonged detention.

However, the group alleged that instead of complying with the judgment, the Federal Government filed fresh charges against the cleric, a move it described as an attempt to frustrate the implementation of the judgment.

“Rather than obey the court order, the Federal Government has continued actions that amount to disobedience of the judiciary. This is dangerous for democracy and undermines public confidence in the rule of law,” the group stated.

TIGMEIN warned that continued disregard for court orders could weaken democratic institutions and create the impression that the government selectively obeys judicial decisions.

The organisation therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and called on the Federal Government to halt any move aimed at re-arresting or recharging him.

The group also urged authorities to pay the N8 million compensation awarded by the court and provide clarification on the basis of the fresh charges filed against the cleric.

TIGMEIN further warned that failure to comply with the court judgment could have political consequences, including withdrawal of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Let it be clearly stated that respect for the rule of law is non-negotiable in a democracy. If this injustice continues and the government refuses to obey the court order, we will be left with no option than to withdraw our support and mobilise others to do the same,” the group said.

The organisation also called on civil society groups, media organisations and human rights advocates to speak against what it described as executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority. (Daily Trust News)

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