An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he warned suspected coup plotters that their alleged plan to overthrow the government would fail and eventually be exposed.
Abdulkadir, who is standing trial alongside five others, made the statement in a video evidence presented by the prosecution before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday. The cleric, who identified himself as a Zaria based Imam, said he was approached to offer prayers concerning the alleged coup plot.
According to him, the alleged mastermind, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, sent an associate identified as Sanda to seek spiritual support and prayers for the success of the operation. Abdulkadir said after carrying out prayers and consultations, he informed them that the plan would not succeed and that two people involved would eventually betray the group.
The cleric further stated that Sanda later returned to request additional prayers to prevent the alleged betrayal. He added that money was sent to him for prayers and charity, while names of individuals linked to the plot were also forwarded for inclusion in the prayers.
Abdulkadir explained that he later heard through the media that arrests had been made over the alleged coup plot after one of the suspects reportedly went missing for several days. He insisted that the money transferred to him was solely for prayers and not to support any illegal activity.
When asked why he failed to report the matter to authorities, the cleric said he did not know who to approach. He also revealed that he was eventually arrested after visiting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to resolve issues relating to restrictions placed on his bank account.
Defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of statements and video recordings presented by the prosecution, arguing that they were not obtained voluntarily. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently ordered a trial within trial to determine whether the statements were made willingly and adjourned the case until May 12.
Leave a comment