ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- An Islamic cleric, Bukar Kashim Goni, on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that over N10 million traced to his bank account had no link to any alleged coup plot but was given for prayers and charitable causes.
Goni is among six defendants standing trial over an alleged attempt to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik viewed video evidence showing the cleric being interrogated by security operatives over suspicious financial transactions allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
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When confronted with records of multiple transfers, including a N10 million payment reportedly made in October 2024, Goni insisted the funds were strictly for spiritual services.
“The money was for prayers and charitable purposes,” he maintained, denying any involvement in a plot against the government.
He told investigators that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, explaining that his relationship with Ma’aji was purely religious, centred on requests for prayers over personal issues, including stalled promotions.
However, investigators challenged his claims, pointing to financial records that showed transactions dating back to March 2023—months before the issues he cited.
They also questioned conversations allegedly involving references to “access” and “work tools,” which they argued suggested a broader operational plan tied to the alleged coup.
Despite the pressure, the cleric maintained he had no knowledge of any illegal activities and was not involved in politics or military affairs.
In a separate video played in court, another defendant, Zekeri Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance unit, claimed he was misled into dealings with the principal suspect.
He admitted receiving several payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag said to contain N8.8 million, but insisted he believed the money was tied to legitimate business opportunities.
The court had earlier reviewed footage in which some defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings, and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, though they denied any concrete attempt to topple the government.
The Federal Government, in the 13-count charge, alleged that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state in a bid to overawe the President, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
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They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the plot and of providing support to the principal suspect by not alerting authorities.
Additional charges include alleged involvement in terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on April 22, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services. (DSS) pending the determination of the case.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was also mentioned in the charge and is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the plot was uncovered.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of trial.