Cleric Alleges Coup Plotters Ignored Warnings
Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Zaria recently revealed to investigators that he cautioned the alleged masterminds behind a coup plot that their scheme was doomed to fail. He claimed that he would be exposed if details of the plot came to light.
This testimony was presented during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. Sani Zaria is among six individuals currently facing charges in relation to this coup attempt.
Notably, the group includes former Bayelsa State Governor Timiprei Sylva, who reportedly remains at large. Other defendants in the case are retired Major General Mohamed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegovia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeli Umolu, and Bukal Kasim Goni.
Sani Zaria recounted that he became acquainted with Colonel Marji, the alleged mastermind, less than a year prior to the investigation. During this time, a man identifying himself as Sanda approached Zaria for spiritual support regarding the coup plan. Sanda disclosed that his “ogre” was orchestrating the coup and requested prayers to ensure its success.
After praying, Sani Zaria insisted that the operation was fated to fail and warned that betrayal would stem from within the group. Following this revelation, he was asked by Sanda for further prayers to prevent any treachery among the participants.
As the situation unfolded, Zaria stated that he received funds intended for religious purposes and charity, as well as the names of individuals involved in the conspiracy for inclusion in his prayers. Shortly thereafter, Sanda informed him that Colonel Majji had been missing for four days. Zaria later learned through news reports that arrests had been made concerning the coup plot.
In a recorded statement, Sani Zaria clarified that the funds he received were for prayers and not intended as financial support for the coup. He expressed uncertainty about whom to report the coup information to, claiming it was a dilemma he faced.
His arrest came after he visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to inquire about restrictions on his bank account. Upon arrival, he discovered that his account had been flagged just as he sought to withdraw transferred funds.
During court proceedings, the prosecution sought to present extrajudicial statements purportedly made by the defendants to a military commission. This move faced opposition from the defense, which argued that the video evidence was inadmissible under Articles 15 and 17 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) due to claims of coercion. The defense also requested a separate trial to validate the authenticity of the video, a proposal contested by the prosecution.
Judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favor of a joint trial to assess the voluntariness and admissibility of both written and video statements from all six defendants. The case is set to reconvene on May 12.
