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By Step Rights Magazine
An Islamic cleric standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration has denied involvement in any coup plan, saying more than ₦10 million paid into his account was meant for prayers and charity.
Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni is among six defendants facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, also names retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani as defendants.
At Tuesday’s proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court viewed video evidence showing Goni’s interaction with security operatives during investigation.
In the footage, investigators confronted the cleric with financial records showing multi-million-naira transfers allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
Goni denied any role in a plot against the government, insisting that the funds he received from Ma’aji were strictly for spiritual and charitable purposes.
According to him, he met Ma’aji through religious engagement after relocating to Karu, Abuja, from Maiduguri due to insecurity. He said the military officer had approached him for prayers over personal issues, including alleged delays in promotion.
However, investigators challenged his explanation, pointing to financial records allegedly showing transfers from March 2023, months before the promotion concerns he cited. They also questioned a ₦10 million transfer allegedly made in October 2024.
The prosecution is relying on the financial records and video evidence as part of its case.
The matter continues before the Federal High Court.
