“₦10m Sent to Me Was for Prayers, Not Coup Against Tinubu” — Islamic Cleric Opens up

An Islamic cleric standing trial for an alleged attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government has told investigators that millions of naira found in his bank account were payments for spiritual services.

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Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, who is being prosecuted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, dismissed claims that the funds were meant to finance a coup d’état.

He maintained that the money was strictly intended for prayers and charitable activities rather than any subversive plot against the current administration.

The cleric is a co-defendant in a high-profile case involving several high-ranking individuals, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor.

The group faces charges filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation regarding a botched plan to overthrow the government.

During the court session on Tuesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the viewing of video evidence showing the Sheikh’s interrogation by security operatives.

In the footage, investigators presented the cleric with financial records detailing significant transfers from the primary suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji. One specific transaction highlighted by the prosecution involved a ₦10 million transfer made in October 2024.

Sheikh Goni told his interlocutors that his relationship with the military officer was purely religious. He explained that he provided spiritual support to the Colonel, who reportedly sought divine intervention regarding delays in his military promotion and other personal hurdles.

Detectives, however, questioned the timeline of these payments. They noted that the financial transfers began as early as March 2023, which predates the period the cleric claimed the Colonel started seeking help for his promotion.

The security team also pointed to coded language used in recorded discussions between the two men. References to “access” and “work tools” were interpreted by the state as evidence of a coordinated military operation, but the Sheikh insisted he had no knowledge of such matters.

Sheikh Goni stated that he originally fled the insurgency in Maiduguri to settle in the Karu area of Abuja. He told the court that he has never been involved in political or military affairs and did not participate in any illegal activities.

The trial continues as the court examines the digital evidence and testimonies linking the six defendants to the alleged conspiracy.