An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has told the Federal High Court that over N10 million transferred into his bank account was meant for prayers and charitable activities.
Sheikh Goni is among six defendants being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over the alleged failed coup plot in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Other defendants in the suit include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani.
At resumed proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik viewed video evidence showing the cleric’s interaction with security operatives investigating the alleged plot.
During the video session, investigators confronted Sheikh Goni with financial records indicating multiple transfers allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji. The cleric, however, denied any involvement in a plot against Tinubu, insisting the funds were strictly for spiritual services and charitable purposes.
He told investigators that he relocated to Karu in Abuja after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, adding that his relationship with Col. Ma’aji was based solely on religious interactions and requests for prayers over personal challenges, including delayed promotion.
Investigators, however, challenged his explanation with financial records allegedly showing transfers dating back to March 2023, months before the promotion issues he cited. They also drew his attention to transactions running into millions of naira, including a ₦10 million transfer allegedly made in October 2024.
When questioned about conversations with the principal suspect that allegedly referenced “access” and acquisition of “work tools,” which investigators claimed suggested a wider operation, Sheikh Goni maintained that he had no knowledge of any illegal activity and denied involvement in political or military matters.
In another video played in open court, co-defendant Zekeri Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria attached to the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa, claimed he was misled into associating with Col. Ma’aji and denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.
Umoru, however, admitted receiving several cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing ₦8.8 million, which he said he believed was connected to business opportunities.
The court had earlier viewed video evidence in which some of the defendants allegedly admitted participating in coded communications, meetings, and reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, while denying involvement in any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned further hearing in the matter until May 11, 12, and 13.
According to the Federal Government, the defendants allegedly conspired in September 2025 to levy war against the state and intimidate the President, contrary to Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. They are also facing allegations bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The six defendants pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge when they were arraigned on April 22 and were remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the determination of the case.
Former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in the charge, with prosecutors alleging that he fled the country before the alleged plot was uncovered.
