An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the N10 million traced to his bank account was payment for spiritual services and not funding for an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Goni is among six defendants facing a 13-count charge bordering on alleged treason, terrorism and conspiracy in a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, reviewed video evidence in which investigators questioned the cleric over financial transactions allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji.
In the video played before the court, Goni denied involvement in any plot to overthrow the government, maintaining that all funds received from Ma’aji were strictly for prayers, spiritual consultations and charitable activities.
The cleric told investigators that his relationship with the military officer was purely religious, adding that Ma’aji regularly sought prayers concerning personal matters and career challenges, including delays in promotion.
However, the prosecution presented financial records showing multiple transfers to the cleric dating back to March 2023, including a N10 million payment allegedly made in October 2024.
Investigators also raised questions over messages and conversations said to contain references to “access” and “work tools,” which prosecutors argued suggested possible coordination beyond spiritual engagements.
Goni, however, maintained that he had no knowledge of any illegal plan and was not involved in political or military activities.
In a separate video evidence also reviewed by the court, another defendant identified as a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria assigned to the Presidential Villa denied involvement in the alleged coup plot.
The defendant reportedly admitted receiving large sums of money, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag said to contain N8.8 million, but insisted the funds were related to business dealings and that he had no understanding of any coup-related activities.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to overthrow the Tinubu administration, contrary to Nigeria’s criminal and anti-terrorism laws.
The government also accused them of failing to report knowledge of the alleged plot and indirectly supporting it by not alerting relevant security agencies.
All defendants pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on April 22 and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending trial.
A former Bayelsa governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was also listed in the charge sheet and is said to be at large.
The matter was adjourned until May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.
