An Islamic cleric standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government told the Federal High Court in Abuja that more than N10 million paid into his account was meant for prayers and charity, not subversion. The cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, is one of six defendants facing a 13-count charge of treason, terrorism, and related offences in case FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026. The other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva is also named in the charge sheet as being at large.
At resumed proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court viewed video evidence showing Goni’s interaction with investigators. When confronted with bank records allegedly showing repeated transfers linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, the cleric denied any involvement in a coup plot and insisted the money was strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes.” He said his relationship with Ma’aji was religious, claiming the officer had approached him over personal challenges, including promotion concerns. Investigators, however, challenged that explanation, pointing to financial records they said showed transfers dating back to March 2023, before the promotion issues Goni mentioned. They also queried a transfer of about N10 million in October 2024 and raised questions about discussions referencing “access” and “work tools,” which they argued suggested a broader covert operation. Goni maintained that he had no knowledge of any unlawful plan and no role in political or military activity.
In another video shown in court, co-defendant Zekeri Umoru, a Julius Berger staff member attached to maintenance at the Presidential Villa, said he had been misled into associating with Ma’aji. He denied knowingly participating in any coup plot, though he admitted receiving cash, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing N8.8 million, which he said he believed was tied to business opportunities. The federal government alleges that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to “levy war against the state to overawe the President,” failed to disclose intelligence about the alleged plan, and rendered assistance to its organisers. All six defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on April 22, 2026, and were remanded in DSS custody pending trial. The case was adjourned to May 11, 12 and 13 for further hearing.
