Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, who is standing trial over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has told the court that more than ₦10 million traced to his bank account was payment for prayers and not linked to any illegal activity.
Sheikh Goni is among six defendants facing charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over an alleged plan to overthrow the government.
Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani.
At Tuesday’s hearing, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court reviewed video evidence showing the cleric being questioned by security operatives about financial transactions linked to the alleged plot.
Investigators confronted him with records indicating multiple transfers allegedly connected to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, including a ₦10 million payment in October 2024.
In response, Sheikh Goni denied any involvement in a coup attempt, insisting that all money received from Col. Ma’aji was strictly for religious prayers and charitable purposes.
He explained that he had relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri and said his relationship with the military officer was purely spiritual, involving prayers for promotion delays and personal challenges.
However, investigators questioned his account, pointing to financial records suggesting transactions dating back to March 2023, as well as references to “access” and “work tools” in their communications, which they said could indicate deeper coordination.
Despite this, the cleric maintained that he had no knowledge of any unlawful plan and rejected any political or military involvement.
In a separate video shown in court, another defendant, Zekeri Umoru, a Julius Berger employee attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance department, said he was misled into associating with Col. Ma’aji.
He also denied participation in any coup plot but admitted receiving cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing ₦8.8 million, which he claimed he believed were business-related funds.
The court had earlier viewed additional video evidence allegedly showing some defendants discussing coded communications, meetings, and surveillance activities around the Presidential Villa, though they denied any intent to overthrow the government.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of hearing.
The Federal Government alleges that the defendants conspired around September 2025 to violently overthrow President Tinubu’s administration, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
They are also accused of failing to report alleged treasonable activities, aiding suspects linked to the plot, and not taking steps to prevent the alleged offence.
Additional charges include conspiracy to commit terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as money laundering in furtherance of terrorism-related activities.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on April 22 and were remanded in DSS custody pending trial.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was also mentioned in the charge sheet and is reportedly at large after leaving the country before the alleged plot was uncovered.
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