Embattled Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, who was earlier declared missing by his family, is reportedly alive and currently being held in protective custody by federal security agencies.
A senior intelligence official disclosed to PRNigeria that the cleric is under investigation by a joint team of the Nigerian Military and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged links to a suspected coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the intelligence source, the investigation was triggered by a financial transaction traced to the cleric’s bank account.
The official revealed that about ₦2 million was transferred into Sheikh Khalifa’s account by a military officer allegedly implicated in an attempted coup.
“Sheikh Khalifa is alive and healthy in protective custody. His arrest followed the discovery of funds in his bank account transferred from one of the suspected military officers involved in the attempted coup,” the source said.
The official added that the cleric would remain in custody until the investigation is concluded.
However, sources close to the cleric’s family have disputed the allegations, insisting the transaction was a routine spiritual offering.
According to the family, the military officer obtained Sheikh Khalifa’s bank account details through one of his students and transferred the money as a request for prayers and blessings.
“There was no political discussion, no criminal intention, and nothing beyond a request for prayers,” a family source said.
The disappearance of the scholar had earlier sparked nationwide concern after he reportedly travelled to Abuja to address the sudden freezing of his bank account.
His family said they lost contact with him shortly after the trip, raising fears about his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the cleric’s legal team has filed a Fundamental Rights suit seeking his release.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/55/2026, has already been heard twice at the Federal High Court in Abuja, on February 18 and March 13, 2026.
The presiding judge adjourned the matter to April 10, 2026, for final judgment.
The intelligence source indicated that Sheikh Khalifa could eventually face prosecution alongside other suspects once the investigation is completed.
“He would soon be arraigned in court for prosecution after the completion of the investigation alongside others,” the official said.
