An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, standing trial over an alleged plot to topple the administration of Bola Tinubu, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that over ₦10 million traced to his account was meant for prayers, not any subversive activity.
Goni is among six defendants facing charges in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over an alleged coup plot.
Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving police officer Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik played video evidence showing the cleric being interrogated by security operatives.
During the session, investigators confronted him with financial records allegedly linking him to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
However, Goni denied any involvement in a plot against the government, insisting that all monies received from Ma’aji were for “spiritual and charitable purposes.”
He told investigators that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, adding that his relationship with the military officer was purely religious. According to him, Ma’aji sought prayers over career challenges, including delayed promotion.
Despite his claims, investigators questioned discrepancies in his explanation, pointing to records indicating that transactions between both men began months before the issues cited by the cleric.
Among the transfers highlighted was a ₦10 million payment allegedly made in October 2024.
The operatives also queried conversations between the cleric and the principal suspect, which reportedly referenced “access” and “work tools”—terms they argued suggested a broader plan.
Goni, however, maintained that he had no knowledge of any coup or unlawful activity, stressing that he had never been involved in political or military operations.
In a separate video played in court, another defendant, Umoru, an employee of Julius Berger Nigeria assigned to the Presidential Villa’s maintenance unit, claimed he was misled into associating with Ma’aji.
Although he denied any awareness of a coup plot, Umoru admitted receiving several cash payments, including a bag allegedly containing ₦8.8 million, which he said he believed was linked to business dealings.
Earlier evidence presented before the court indicated that some defendants allegedly engaged in coded communications, held meetings, and carried out reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, though they denied participating in any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned further hearing to May 11, 12 and 13.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants, in September 2025, conspired to wage war against the state in a bid to intimidate the President, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code.
They were also accused of having prior knowledge of the alleged plot but failing to report it to authorities, as well as aiding the principal suspect by withholding information.
Additional charges include offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, bordering on conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism.
The defendants, who were arraigned on April 22, pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the determination of the case.
Meanwhile, Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, was also named in the charge and is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the plot was uncovered.