‘₦10m Was for Prayers,’ Cleric Tells Court in Alleged Coup Trial

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told investigators that more than ₦10 million paid into his account was for prayers, denying any link to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.

Goni is one of six defendants being tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Others charged are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani.

During proceedings on Tuesday, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court watched video footage of the cleric’s interrogation. When shown financial records allegedly connecting him to Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, identified as the principal suspect, Goni denied involvement in any coup plan.

“All the money I received was for prayers and charitable purposes,” he said, adding that his relationship with the officer was purely religious and centred on spiritual support.

He explained that he moved to Karu in Abuja after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri and that Col. Ma’aji approached him for prayers concerning delayed promotions and other personal matters.

Investigators challenged his claims, noting that transfers to his account began in March 2023—earlier than the issues he referenced—and included substantial amounts, such as a ₦10 million payment allegedly made in October 2024. They also questioned his discussions with the suspect, which included references to “access” and “work tools.”

Despite this, Goni maintained that he had no knowledge of any unlawful plot and denied involvement in political or military affairs.

Another defendant, Zekeri Umoru, who works with Julius Berger Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, said in a separate video that he was “misled” into his association with Col. Ma’aji. He denied participating in any coup but admitted receiving several cash payments, including ₦8.8 million allegedly delivered in a “Ghana Must Go” bag, which he believed related to business opportunities.

Prosecutors allege that the defendants engaged in coded communications, meetings, and surveillance around the Presidential Villa, though they deny attempting to overthrow the government.

According to the Federal Government, the defendants conspired in September 2025 to levy war against the state and intimidate the President, in violation of the Criminal Code, and are also facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge following their arraignment on April 22 and remain in DSS custody pending trial. The case was adjourned to May 11, 12, and 13.

Former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in the charge and is reportedly at large after leaving the country before the alleged plot was exposed.

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