I Told Coup Plotters Their Plan Against Tinubu Would Fail — Cleric Tell Court

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu told investigators he was approached to offer “prayers and divination” for the coup plan, but warned those behind it that the operation would fail because of betrayal within the group.

The disclosure by Abdulkadir Sani was played in court through a recorded video at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday during the ongoing trial of six suspects linked to the alleged failed coup attempt. “Sanda told me his Oga wanted to stage a coup and needed prayers and divination to know whether it would succeed,” Sani said in the recording. He explained that after carrying out prayers, he later informed the group that the plot would fail because “two members involved in the conspiracy would eventually betray the others.”

Sani stated that he had known the alleged mastermind, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, for less than a year before the arrests. According to him, after he warned them about betrayal, another message was sent asking for more prayers “so that the two individuals would not betray the group.” He added that names of the alleged conspirators were forwarded to him for inclusion in prayers, while money was allegedly sent to him through intermediaries.

However, the cleric denied collecting money to support any coup plot. “I did not collect money for a coup. The money was for prayers,” he told investigators, describing the payments as gifts and donations meant for “prayers and charity.” He also admitted he never informed security agencies about the alleged conspiracy because he “did not know who to report to.” Sani said he was later arrested after visiting the EFCC over restrictions placed on his bank account, where he discovered the funds had been flagged by authorities.

The Federal Government arraigned Sani on April 22 alongside retired Brigadier-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired navy captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, and Bukar Kashim Goni. The defendants are facing a 13-count charge involving treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information related to the alleged conspiracy. Authorities said the plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the arrest of serving and retired military officers as well as civilian collaborators.

During Monday’s proceedings, defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of the statements and video evidence, alleging coercion, inconsistencies, and absence of legal representation during interrogation. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently ordered a joint trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements and video recordings were voluntarily made and can be admitted as evidence.