Alleged Coup: Cleric Says ₦10m Transfer Was for Prayers as Trial Continues

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that over ₦10 million paid into his account was for prayers and charitable purposes.

Goni is among six defendants facing charges linked to the alleged coup, in a case instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani.

At Tuesday’s proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court reviewed video evidence showing the cleric’s interaction with investigators. Confronted with financial records allegedly tied to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, Goni denied any involvement in a coup plot, insisting the funds were tied solely to spiritual services.

He explained that his relationship with Ma’aji was based on religious consultations, including requests for prayers over delayed promotions and personal challenges. Goni, who said he relocated to Karu in Abuja after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, maintained he had no links to political or military activities.

Investigators, however, questioned inconsistencies in his claims, pointing to transaction records dating back to March 2023, before the issues he cited arose. They also referenced a ₦10 million transfer allegedly made in October 2024 and conversations suggesting attempts to gain “access” and acquire “work tools.”

In a separate video, another defendant, Zekeri Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger assigned to the Presidential Villa, denied involvement in the alleged plot, claiming he was misled by Ma’aji. He admitted receiving cash payments, including ₦8.8 million delivered in a bag, which he said he believed were tied to business deals.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants engaged in coded communications, meetings, and reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, though they deny any concrete plan to overthrow the government.

The Federal Government has charged the defendants with treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering. They were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge.

The court adjourned further hearing to May 11, 12, and 13.