The family of Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, a respected Islamic scholar and leader of the Fityanul Islam Tijaniyya sect, has raised concerns over his unexplained disappearance after he traveled to Abuja 25 days ago to resolve issues regarding his bank account. The family alleges that he has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), though the exact reasons for his detention remain unclear.

Sheikh Khalifa, a prominent figure with a large following in Zaria and other parts of Kaduna State, has not been seen or heard from since he left home for the Federal Capital Territory. His wife, Hajiya Ramatu Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, shared her distressing account of the situation in an interview with RFI International. She revealed that her husband had informed her he was going to Abuja to resolve an issue with his bank account and was expected to return the same day.

Disappearance and Concerns of the Family

Hajiya Ramatu recounted that on the morning of his departure, her husband left for Abuja after giving her money for household expenses and telling her he would be back soon. Since then, she has had no communication with him, with his phone switched off and no indication of his whereabouts.

“From that day until now, I have not heard his voice again. It’s been 25 days. Whenever I try to call, his phone is switched off,” she said, visibly distressed. “I am alone with the children, and I feel dizzy, I can’t sleep. I’m trying to stay strong for them, but we are extremely worried.”

Hajiya Ramatu also revealed that the family was eventually informed about the reason for her husband’s trip to Abuja: his bank account had been blocked due to an issue involving a sum of N2 million. The family was told that Sheikh Khalifa was in Abuja to resolve this matter.

Details of the Situation and the Role of EFCC

Sheikh Khalifa’s son, Sunusi Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, who accompanied his father to Abuja, provided further details of the events leading up to his father’s disappearance. According to Sunusi, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had blocked the scholar’s bank account. The EFCC reportedly told them that the account could only be reopened at its office in Abuja.

Sunusi explained that the investigation revolved around a N2 million transfer that had allegedly been made to his father. The Sheikh explained that the money had come from someone who sought his prayers concerning personal matters. However, Sunusi stated that the situation took a turn for the worse when the authorities began referring to the matter as a “military case”.

“They said it was a military case and involved soldiers,” Sunusi explained. “They also said my father had agreed to return the money. After that, the soldiers said they would come and question him. Since that day, we haven’t heard from him.”

Disturbing Silence and Unanswered Questions

Over the 25-day period, the family has had very little communication with Sheikh Khalifa. Sunusi mentioned that there was a brief phone call in which the scholar informed them that he was fine, but he could not explain where he was being held or why he had been arrested.

The family has expressed confusion over circulating claims that Sheikh Khalifa was arrested for allegedly accepting money to pray for individuals involved in a coup plot. Sunusi vehemently denied this, stating that the family had never been informed of such allegations by the authorities.

“We don’t know anything about that. No one has told us anything of the sort,” he said.

Family’s Plea for Intervention

The family is now calling for urgent intervention by relevant authorities, demanding that Sheikh Khalifa either be released immediately or at least that his whereabouts be disclosed. The prolonged silence from both the DSS and other authorities has left the family in a state of anxiety and fear.

“We are under serious tension, and the silence from the authorities is causing us unimaginable distress,” Hajiya Ramatu said. “All we want is for the authorities to tell us where my husband is or let him come back home to us.”

Family’s Appeal to the Authorities

The family’s plea for justice and accountability continues as they seek answers. The case has drawn attention from both the local community and human rights organizations, with calls for the DSS to clarify the reasons for Sheikh Khalifa’s detention and ensure his immediate release if there are no charges against him.