Coup trial: Cleric admits spiritual role, denies direct involvement

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric has admitted before the Federal High Court in Abuja that he accepted money to pray for the success of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government, while insisting he warned those involved that the plan would ultimately fail.

Sani Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the trial of six alleged coup plotters, made the disclosure in a video recording played in court during Monday’s proceedings.

He told the court he was approached through an intermediary identified as Sanda, who informed him that his “Oga” intended to stage a coup and required spiritual support regarding the operation’s chances of success.

Abdulkadir said he later identified the alleged mastermind as a man named Maaji, whom he claimed to have known for less than a year.

After conducting the prayers, he said he alerted the suspects that the plot would fail because two people within the group would betray the operation. He added that the suspects subsequently requested further prayers to prevent the alleged informants from speaking out.

The cleric acknowledged receiving money for prayers and charity, and confirmed that names of alleged participants were sent to him for inclusion in the prayers.

He maintained, however, that the funds were strictly for spiritual services and did not constitute direct involvement in any coup attempt.

Abdulkadir told the court he first learned of the arrests through media reports after Sanda informed him that Maaji had been unreachable for several days.

He admitted understanding that a coup entailed an unlawful military takeover of government but said he failed to report the plot because he did not know who to approach. He was eventually arrested, he said, after visiting the EFCC over restrictions placed on his bank account.

He denied making any involuntary confession in custody, insisting all statements to investigators were made freely without torture or assault.

Following the video playback, the prosecution sought to tender extrajudicial statements allegedly made by all six defendants before a special investigation panel and military police authorities.

Defence lawyers opposed the move, arguing the statements were obtained involuntarily and in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, citing alleged denial of legal representation, inconsistencies between video recordings and written statements, and claims of coercion.

One defence counsel urged the court to conduct separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each disputed statement, but the prosecution argued the court had discretion to hold a joint hearing.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favour of a single joint trial-within-trial to determine whether the disputed statements were voluntarily made and admissible. The matter was adjourned to May 12.

The Federal Government had on April 22 arraigned the six suspects on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism, treason and conspiracy to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

The defendants — Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir — all pleaded not guilty. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, also mentioned in the charge, is said to be at large.