Sheikh Goni and a Villa staffer denied coup plot charges

Federal High Court building during the Tinubu coup plot trial featuring Sheikh Goni.

The trial over the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government resumed on Tuesday, with two key defendants strongly denying the charges.

Presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court reviewed video evidence showing investigators confronting Sheikh Goni. The cleric faced tough questions over financial records linking him to the main suspect, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji.

Sheikh Goni flatly denied any role in a coup. He told the court the money he received was strictly for spiritual services and charity. According to him, his relationship with the military officer was purely religious. He claimed Ma’aji simply sought his prayers for personal issues and delayed career promotions.

The prosecution, however, challenged his story. They presented bank records showing transfers as early as March 2023, months before the career problems Goni cited. They also flagged a massive N10 million payment from October 2024.

Investigators further questioned the cleric about messages mentioning "access" and "work tools." They argued this pointed to a deeper operation, not just prayer requests. Goni maintained his innocence, insisting he knew nothing about any illegal or military plot.

Another defendant, a Julius Berger staff member attached to the Presidential Villa, also faced the court. He denied being part of any takeover, claiming he was simply misled.

He admitted receiving large cash sums, including a "Ghana Must Go" bag stuffed with ₦8.8 million. Yet, he argued he believed the funds were tied to regular business deals and knew nothing of a coup.

The court had previously played videos of defendants allegedly discussing coded communications and movements around sensitive government zones. They, too, denied planning a takeover.

The Federal Government insists the accused conspired in September 2025 to overthrow the administration. They are charged under criminal and anti-terrorism laws. Authorities also accuse them of keeping quiet about the plot instead of alerting security agencies.

All defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on April 22. They currently remain in the custody of the Department of State Services.

Meanwhile, a former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, is also named in the charge sheet. He is currently reported to be at large.