An Islamic cleric dragged to court over an alleged plot to topple Nigeria’s government has insisted the ₦10million traced to his account was for prayers — not a coup.
Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the cash he received from a key suspect was purely for “spiritual services” — including prayers for job promotion.
The cleric is among six defendants facing a raft of charges including treason, terrorism and conspiracy in a bombshell case brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Drama unfolded in court on Tuesday, May 5, as video evidence was played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, showing investigators grilling the cleric over suspicious bank transfers allegedly linked to army officer Mohammed Ma’aji — said to be the mastermind of the alleged plot.
But Goni firmly denied any involvement in a coup, claiming his ties to the officer were strictly religious.
“He came to me for prayers over personal issues and career stagnation,” the cleric said, insisting the ₦10million payment was for “promotion prayers” — not political subversion.
Prosecutors, however, painted a darker picture.
They told the court that financial records show transfers dating back to March 2023 — months before the alleged issues cited by the cleric — with a fresh ₦10million payment landing in October 2024.
Investigators also raised eyebrows over messages referencing “access” and “work tools,” which they claim point to coordination beyond spiritual matters.
Despite the mounting evidence, Goni stood his ground, maintaining he had no knowledge of any illegal plan and no links to political or military activity.
In a separate twist, another defendant — a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria assigned to the Presidential Villa — also denied involvement.
He admitted receiving huge sums of cash, including a so-called “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly stuffed with ₦8.8million, but claimed he believed the payments were tied to legitimate business dealings.
Earlier court sessions reportedly showed footage of suspects discussing coded movements around sensitive government locations — claims all defendants have strongly denied.
The Federal Government alleges the group conspired in September 2025 to overthrow President Tinubu’s administration — a grave offence under Nigeria’s criminal and anti-terrorism laws.
They are also accused of failing to alert authorities and indirectly supporting the alleged plot.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned on April 22 and remain in custody of the Department of State Services.
Shockingly, former Bayelsa State governor and ex-petroleum minister Timipre Sylva has also been named in the charge sheet — and is currently said to be on the run.
The high-stakes trial has been adjourned to May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation.
