An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that over ₦10 million traced to his account in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu was received for prayers and charitable purposes.
Goni is among six defendants standing trial in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over an alleged attempt to overthrow the government.
Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekari Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted and viewed video evidence showing the cleric’s interaction with investigators.
In the recording, Goni denied any involvement in the alleged coup, insisting that all funds he received from the principal suspect, identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, were tied strictly to spiritual engagements.
He explained that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, Borno State, and had since been offering religious services, including prayers for individuals facing personal challenges.
According to him, Ma’aji approached him for prayers over issues relating to delayed promotion and other concerns, stressing that their relationship was purely religious.
However, investigators confronted the cleric with financial records indicating that transfers to his account began as far back as March 2023, predating the alleged issues cited by him.
They also highlighted transactions running into several millions of naira, including a ₦10 million payment reportedly made in October 2024.
The operatives further raised concerns over certain conversations allegedly linked to the cleric, which referenced gaining “access” and procuring “work tools”—phrases they argued suggested knowledge of a broader operation.
Despite the claims, Goni maintained that he had no connection with any political or military agenda and was unaware of any plan to destabilise the government.
In a related development, the court also viewed the video statement of another defendant, Zekari Umoru, an employee of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc attached to the Presidential Villa.
Umoru claimed he was misled into dealings with the alleged mastermind, insisting he had no knowledge of any coup plan, although he admitted receiving cash gifts, including ₦8.8 million delivered in a bag.
He told investigators he believed the payments were linked to legitimate business arrangements.
The prosecution had earlier presented evidence suggesting that some of the defendants engaged in coded communications, meetings, and reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, though they denied participating in any concrete plot.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned further hearing in the case until May 11, 12, and 13.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants conspired to wage war against the state in September 2025 and failed to report intelligence relating to the alleged plot.
They are also facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All defendants had pleaded not guilty upon their arraignment and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.
A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was also named in the charge, is said to be at large.
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