Cleric Admits Collecting Money for ‘Prayers,’ Says He Warned Alleged Coup Plotters of Failure

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday played a video-recorded statement of Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the trial of individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The video, presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, showed the Islamic cleric admitting that he received money for prayers connected to the alleged coup plot, but maintained that he warned those involved that the plan would ultimately fail.

The recording was played during proceedings while the fourth prosecution witness (PW4) remained in the witness box, as the prosecution continued its case against the six defendants facing charges bordering on conspiracy to stage a military takeover.

In his statement, Abdulkadir said he had known the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel Maaji, for less than a year. He explained that he was introduced to the matter through an intermediary known as Sanda, who allegedly sought spiritual assistance for the success of the planned operation.

According to Abdulkadir, Sanda informed him that his “Oga” intended to carry out a coup and required prayers for its success. The cleric said that after conducting the prayers, he warned that the operation would fail and predicted that two individuals within the group would eventually expose the plot.

He further disclosed that another request was later made asking him to pray against the two individuals from revealing the plan. Abdulkadir added that he subsequently received money meant for prayers and charity, while names of alleged participants were also sent to him.

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The cleric told investigators that he later became aware of the arrests through media reports after hearing that Colonel Maaji had been missing for several days. He insisted that all money he received was strictly for prayers and not as support for any coup attempt.

Abdulkadir acknowledged that a coup referred to the military overthrow of a government but said he did not report the alleged discussions because he did not know the appropriate authority to contact.

He also revealed that his arrest followed a visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his bank account was flagged over suspicious transactions. According to him, EFCC officials invited him to explain the source of the funds.

The cleric maintained that he never confessed to involvement in any coup plot during interrogation and stated that he was neither tortured nor forced to make any statement.

Following the video playback, the prosecution applied to tender extra-judicial statements obtained from the six defendants before a Special Investigation Panel and military police authorities.

However, defence counsel opposed the move, arguing that the statements were obtained in breach of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The lawyers alleged absence of legal representation, inconsistencies between the recorded and written statements, inducement, and possible coercion.

Counsel to the fifth defendant also requested separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each accused person, citing the differing circumstances surrounding their statements.

In response, the prosecution urged the court to reject the objections, arguing that the law did not require separate proceedings and that the court had the discretion to assess the evidence.

Delivering her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik ordered a single joint trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness and admissibility of the disputed statements.

The case was adjourned until May 12 for continuation of hearing.

The trial comes amid increased attention on alleged coup-related prosecutions, including separate military proceedings in Abuja involving several personnel undergoing closed-door hearings.