“N10m Was for Prayers” — Cleric denies role in alleged coup plot against Tinubu

An Islamic cleric, Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that over N10 million credited to his account was received strictly for prayers and charitable purposes, as he continues to face trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Goni is one of six defendants standing trial before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in a case filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

During proceedings on Tuesday, the court viewed video evidence showing interactions between Goni and investigators, where he repeatedly denied any involvement in a coup plot against Bola Tinubu.

The cleric maintained that the funds he received from a principal suspect, identified as Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, were connected to spiritual assistance and prayers for personal challenges, including alleged promotion delays.

According to him, he had relocated to Abuja from Maiduguri after fleeing insurgency and had only maintained religious ties with individuals who sought spiritual intervention.

However, investigators presented financial records allegedly showing multiple transactions running into millions of naira, including a ₦10 million transfer in October 2024, as well as earlier payments dating back to March 2023.

They also questioned references in communications to “access” and “work tools,” which they argued suggested possible operational planning beyond religious engagement.

Goni, however, insisted he had no knowledge of any illegal or political plan and maintained that his activities were purely spiritual in nature.

In a related testimony, co-defendant Zekeri Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, also claimed he was misled into associating with the alleged plot and believed the financial dealings were business-related.

Umoru admitted receiving large sums, including ₦8.8 million in cash, which he said he believed was payment for legitimate work opportunities.

The court also heard allegations that other defendants engaged in meetings, coded communications, and surveillance activities around the Presidential Villa, though they all denied participating in any attempt to overthrow the government.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of trial.