Alleged Coup Plot: Cleric Says N10m Transfers Were for Prayers as Court Reviews Evidence

By Uzair Adam

An Islamic cleric, Bukar Kashim Goni, accused of complicity in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu, has told investigators that over N10 million paid into his bank account was meant for prayers.

Sheikh Goni is among six defendants standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged coup attempt.

Others listed in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; and two civilians, Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted and viewed video evidence showing the cleric’s interaction with security operatives.

During questioning, investigators confronted Goni with financial records linking him to multiple transfers allegedly from the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

He denied any involvement in a plot against the president, maintaining that the funds were for “prayers and charitable purposes.”

Goni explained that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, adding that his relationship with Ma’aji was purely religious.

According to him, the officer sought spiritual support over delayed promotions and personal challenges.

However, investigators challenged his claims, pointing to transactions dating back to March 2023—before the alleged promotion issues—as well as a N10 million transfer in October 2024.

They also queried conversations referencing “access” and “work tools,” suggesting a broader operation.

Despite this, the cleric maintained he had no knowledge of any illegal plan and denied involvement in political or military activities.

In a separate video played in court, Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria attached to the Presidential Villa’s maintenance department, said he was “misled” into associating with Ma’aji and denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.

He, however, admitted receiving cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag said to contain N8.8 million, which he claimed were tied to business dealings.

Earlier evidence presented by the prosecution showed some defendants allegedly engaged in coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, though they denied any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.

The Federal Government alleged that the defendants, in September 2025, conspired to wage war against the state to overawe President Tinubu—an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors further claimed the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Ma’aji but failed to inform authorities, and instead assisted by withholding information and not taking steps to prevent the act.

Additional charges include terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with allegations that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism.

The defendants, who pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on April 22, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the determination of the case.

Former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charge and is reportedly at large after leaving the country before the alleged plot was uncovered.

The charges against the defendants include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorist activities.