An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the N10 million traced to his bank account was payment for spiritual services and charity, not financing for an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Goni is one of six defendants facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and conspiracy in a case filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation. Prosecutors allege the group conspired to topple the administration and failed to report knowledge of the purported plot.

During proceedings, the court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, watched video recordings of interrogations conducted by security operatives. In one of the clips, investigators confronted Goni with bank records showing multiple transfers allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

Goni, dressed in traditional robes and speaking calmly in the footage, denied any role in a coup plan. He insisted that every payment he received from Ma’aji and others was for prayers, spiritual consultations, and assistance to the needy. He described his relationship with the army officer as strictly religious, saying Ma’aji regularly sought prayers over personal problems and stalled promotions in the military.

Prosecutors challenged that account, pointing to transfers allegedly made as early as March 2023, which they argued predated the promotion issues cited by the cleric. They also highlighted a N10 million payment said to have been made in October 2024, questioning why such a large sum would be required solely for spiritual services.

Investigators further drew attention to messages and conversations in which some defendants reportedly referred to “access” and “work tools,” phrases the prosecution claims were coded language for operational support. Goni rejected that interpretation, maintaining he had no knowledge of any illegal scheme and no involvement in political or military activities.

Another video played in court featured a Julius Berger Nigeria staff member attached to the Presidential Villa, who is also standing trial. He admitted receiving substantial cash, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing N8.8 million, but said he believed the money related to business dealings and denied any awareness of a coup agenda.

Earlier sessions, according to court records, included footage of some defendants allegedly discussing movements around sensitive government locations and using coded terms. They have all insisted these conversations were being misrepresented by investigators.

The Federal Government maintains that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to overthrow the Tinubu administration, an offence it says falls under Nigeria’s criminal and anti-terrorism laws. It also accuses them of providing indirect support to the alleged plot by failing to alert security agencies.

All six defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services as the trial continues. A former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also named in the charge sheet and is listed as being at large.