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Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Published

2 months ago

May 5, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the ₦10 million traced to his account was payment for spiritual services and prayers, not funding for an alleged coup plot against the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sheikh Goni is currently standing trial alongside several co-defendants over allegations of involvement in a failed plan to overthrow the federal government. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The cleric firmly denied any participation in a coup plot in Nigeria, insisting that his role was strictly religious and focused on prayers, spiritual counselling, and charitable assistance. He maintained that the ₦10 million transaction credited to him was part of payments for religious consultations and had no political or security implications.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the presentation of video evidence showing Sheikh Goni’s interrogation by security operatives. In the recordings, investigators confronted him with financial documents allegedly linking him to multiple transfers from a military officer identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji. One highlighted transaction was a ₦10 million payment made in October 2024.

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Security officials argued that the financial pattern suggested sustained contact between the cleric and the officer, with payments reportedly beginning as early as March 2023. Investigators also referenced coded phrases such as “access” and “work tools” found in recorded conversations, which they claim may indicate coordination of illicit activities. However, Sheikh Goni rejected the interpretation, insisting the discussions were spiritual in nature and related only to prayers and personal guidance.

The case also involves other high-profile defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, among others accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the government. All defendants have denied the allegations.

Sheikh Goni told the court he previously fled insurgency-related violence in Maiduguri before relocating to the Karu area of Abuja. He insisted he has never engaged in political or military activities and has no involvement in any unlawful operations. He reaffirmed that his interactions with the military officer were strictly limited to Islamic prayers and spiritual support services.

The Federal High Court continues to examine financial records, digital communications, and witness testimonies as prosecutors attempt to establish links between the defendants and the alleged coup attempt. The defendants, however, maintain their innocence, arguing that the evidence being presented is being misinterpreted.

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

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Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Published

6 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has urged former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to return to Nigeria and defend herself against pending corruption allegations and EFCC cases, despite her recent legal outcome in the United Kingdom.

Akande made the call during a monitored interview on Friday, describing the UK court’s decision as “exciting news,” but stressing that it does not end or override ongoing proceedings in Nigeria.

Akande said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) still has active cases involving Diezani, including court-ordered asset forfeitures linked to alleged proceeds of corruption. He maintained that while foreign court rulings may influence public perception, they do not conclude domestic legal processes, especially where Nigerian courts are still reviewing related matters. He argued that the former minister should return home and allow the Nigerian judiciary to fully determine the outstanding allegations, insisting that only a local court judgment can provide final closure.

He also revisited controversies surrounding Nigeria’s oil sector during Diezani’s tenure as petroleum minister, particularly the strategic alliance agreements involving the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Akande alleged that crude oil worth about $3 billion was sold under arrangements that did not involve proper payment of royalties or taxes. He added that these issues remain part of public records and investigations, though they are still subject to legal scrutiny and not fully resolved in court.

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He further claimed that documents reviewed during his time in government pointed to transactions involving Diezani and other individuals, adding that these matters require judicial determination in Nigeria.

Akande insisted that if Diezani believes the UK ruling supports her innocence, she should return to Nigeria and face the EFCC corruption trials to clear her name once and for all. He said allowing Nigerian courts to decide the pending cases would help resolve one of the country’s most high-profile corruption controversies and strengthen accountability in public service.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced multiple corruption allegations in Nigeria and abroad since leaving office in 2015. She has consistently denied wrongdoing, while several asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings have been carried out by Nigerian authorities over the years.

Akande’s remarks have further intensified public debate over whether foreign court outcomes should influence domestic corruption cases involving former public officials.

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

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EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

Published

7 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Deji Adeyanju

EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly set to begin a preliminary investigation into activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) over allegations linked to terror financing claims, illicit funding channels, and suspected financial irregularities.

The development follows a petition submitted on June 17, 2026, by lawyer Blessing Agbomhere, which called on the EFCC to scrutinise the sources of funding behind their activism, public campaigns, legal interventions, and media engagements.

In the petition, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a detailed review of the duo’s bank accounts, financial transactions, personal and associated business assets, sponsorship arrangements, and possible foreign or third-party inflows. He argued that while freedom of expression and public advocacy are constitutionally protected rights, the scale and visibility of their campaigns raise concerns that warrant regulatory examination.

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The petitioner further noted that, in some global cases, undisclosed funding structures have been used to influence public opinion or weaken institutions. Based on this, he urged authorities to determine whether any similar risks exist in relation to the individuals involved.

The petition also called on the EFCC to work alongside relevant security and intelligence agencies to assess whether any of the funds in question could pose a threat to national security.

While the EFCC has not confirmed any formal charges, reports suggest the agency is reviewing the petition and may commence preliminary financial investigations, which typically involve verifying claims, tracing financial flows, and assessing compliance with anti-money laundering laws and financial regulations.

At this stage, no indictment has been filed, and the allegations remain unproven.

Both Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan are prominent figures in Nigeria’s civic and digital activism space, known for their outspoken criticism of government policies and institutions. Their activities have often attracted both strong public support and controversy.

The petition itself clarified that it does not amount to an allegation of guilt but is intended to promote transparency and accountability. It added that if the EFCC finds all funding sources to be legitimate, it would help clear doubts and reinforce public trust in their activities.

EFCC to Probe Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Terror Financing, Funding Sources

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Tinubu Approves Six-Month Extension for Nigeria Customs Chief

Published

7 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

Tinubu Approves Six-Month Extension for Nigeria Customs Chief

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, extending his leadership of the agency until February 2027.

The extension takes effect from August 1, 2026, when his current tenure was originally expected to end.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision is aimed at ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms within the Customs Service, particularly the full rollout of the National Single Window project, a major digital trade facilitation system designed to streamline import and export processes in Nigeria.

The Presidency explained that the extension will also allow Adeniyi to consolidate improvements in revenue generation, border management, and anti-smuggling operations, while ensuring a structured and orderly transition in the leadership of the service.

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During the extended period, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Customs Service Board to oversee key administrative processes, including the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs, as well as the retirement of officers who have reached the mandatory age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service. These steps are part of wider efforts to strengthen institutional stability within the agency.

Adeniyi, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, joined the Nigeria Customs Service in the late 1980s and has spent decades rising through the ranks. His career progression includes promotion to Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023 before his appointment as Comptroller-General by President Tinubu in June 2023.

Since assuming office, he has led reforms focused on modernising Customs operations, strengthening border security, improving compliance systems, and boosting non-oil revenue generation for the federal government.

The extension is widely viewed as part of the administration’s broader strategy to stabilise key revenue-generating agencies and sustain ongoing digital transformation efforts across Nigeria’s trade and border control systems.