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

Ganduje Recognises Sanusi as Emir of Kano in Major Political Gesture

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has publicly recognised Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, in a significant gesture that signals possible easing of tensions in the long-running Kano Emirate crisis.

Ganduje made the recognition on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, held at the Government House in Kano. While addressing dignitaries, he greeted Sanusi and addressed him by his full traditional title, a move that drew applause from guests and political stakeholders present.

The public acknowledgment is the first time Ganduje has openly referred to Sanusi in his reinstated position since their highly publicised political and traditional leadership fallout.

The Kano Emirate leadership dispute began in 2020 when Ganduje, while serving as governor, deposed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and installed Aminu Ado Bayero as his successor. The decision triggered legal battles, political divisions, and competing claims over the emirate throne.

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The crisis deepened when the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reversed the arrangement, reinstating Sanusi while relocating Bayero, a move that further intensified tensions and created parallel claims to the emirate stool. Since then, both factions have maintained differing positions, with court cases and political interpretations continuing to shape the outcome of the traditional leadership dispute in Kano.

At various stages, the crisis has reflected wider political alignments in Kano State, with supporters and stakeholders divided over the legitimacy of both traditional rulers. The dispute also contributed to heightened tensions during cultural events, including the Sallah Durbar, which was previously restricted due to security concerns. However, recent developments have seen a gradual easing of restrictions, with Sanusi’s participation in traditional events signalling a cautious return to normalcy within the emirate.

Analysts view Ganduje’s public recognition as a symbolic shift that could help de-escalate tensions surrounding the Kano Emirate leadership crisis. While no official policy change was announced, the gesture is seen as politically significant given Ganduje’s role in Sanusi’s initial deposition. Observers say such recognition from a key political figure could contribute to improving relations between rival factions and reducing uncertainty over the emirate’s leadership structure.

The development underscores the continuing intersection of politics and traditional institutions in Nigeria, particularly in northern states where emirate leadership holds strong cultural and political influence. Despite the latest gesture, the legal and administrative complexities surrounding the Kano Emirate remain unresolved, and stakeholders say further dialogue will be needed to achieve lasting stability.

Ganduje Recognises Sanusi as Emir of Kano in Major Political Gesture

Islam Facing Reputational Damage Under Tinubu – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has stirred fresh national debate after alleging that Islam’s global reputation is being negatively affected under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking at a political event organised by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), chaired by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Datti described his remarks as “sensitive but necessary,” noting that such discussions often require courage in Nigeria’s political space.

“It’s not easy for me to say this… but it must be said,” he stated, adding that “the world of Islam has never suffered reputational damage as under Tinubu–Shettima presidency.”

According to him, many Muslim-led nations historically projected governance rooted in peace, justice, and stability, contrasting sharply with Nigeria’s current situation. While referencing past global leaders to support his argument, he maintained that his position was not about elevating religion above competence.

“This is not about religion,” Datti clarified. “If you are presenting religion, then present genuine candidates who will govern by the dictates of their faith.”

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He stressed that leadership credibility and accountability should take precedence, regardless of religious affiliation, insisting that both Christian and Muslim leaders must reflect authenticity and moral discipline.

MURIC Accuses FG of Religious Bias

In a related development, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government of religious favouritism, raising concerns over the reported construction of a N25 billion ecumenical church and pilgrimage centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, criticised the move, questioning why a major Christian project is being supported at a public facility without a similar initiative for Muslim worshippers.

“The Federal Government should explain this preferential treatment. Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this,” Akintola said, noting that the development has sparked intense reactions across mosques and Muslim communities nationwide.

The group also faulted the Federal Government’s handling of humanitarian interventions, alleging unequal distribution of relief funds. It cited the reported N2 billion support to victims of violence in Plateau State, claiming there had been no equivalent assistance to victims in states such as Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kwara.

Growing Debate Over Religion and Governance in Nigeria

The twin developments have intensified ongoing conversations about religion in Nigerian politics, governance fairness, and national unity, particularly following the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought the current administration to power.

Analysts say the statements reflect deeper concerns about representation, inclusiveness, and the role of religion in leadership selection as Nigeria prepares for future political alignments.

Islam Facing Reputational Damage Under Tinubu – Datti Baba-Ahmed