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

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.