By Franklin Adole
Fresh revelations emerged on Monday in the ongoing trial of alleged coup plotters as an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he warned those behind the alleged plot that their mission would fail and that they would eventually be betrayed.
Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the case, made the disclosure in a video evidence presented by the prosecution before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. In the recorded interview with investigators, the Zaria-based Imam said he was recruited to conduct prayers and spiritual consultations for individuals allegedly planning a military takeover.
According to the cleric, he became involved after one Sanda, allegedly sent by the suspected mastermind, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, approached him seeking prayers and divination concerning the success of the planned coup. Abdulkadir said after conducting prayers, he informed them that the operation would fail and that two members of the group would eventually expose the others.
He further revealed that Sanda later returned requesting additional prayers to prevent betrayal within the group. The cleric told investigators that money was subsequently sent to him for prayers and charity, while names of alleged participants were also forwarded for inclusion in the spiritual exercises. However, he insisted the funds transferred to him were strictly for prayers and not payment for supporting any coup plot.
Abdulkadir said he later learnt through media reports that arrests had been made over the alleged coup after Sanda informed him that Col. Ma’aji had disappeared for several days. He added that he was eventually arrested after visiting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over restrictions placed on his bank account linked to the transfers.
During the proceedings, defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of statements and video recordings tendered by the prosecution, arguing that they were not voluntarily made and violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The prosecution did not oppose a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently ordered the separate hearing and adjourned the matter until 12 May for the continuation of proceedings.