Cleric Testifies in Coup Trial, Admits to Receiving Funds

Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, an Islamic cleric and alleged ringleader in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, testified at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He admitted to receiving money for prayers intended to ensure the success of the operation but claimed he warned the plotters that their plan was doomed to fail.

Abdulkadir stated that he was approached by an intermediary, Sanda, who sought spiritual support for the coup, which he advised against. He learned of his arrest through media reports and maintained that the funds he received were strictly for prayer and not related to the coup attempt.

Abdulkadir acknowledged understanding that a coup involves a military overthrow of government but did not report the plot. During the trial, the prosecution sought to tender extra-judicial statements made by the defendants, which the defense objected to, arguing they were obtained involuntarily.

The court ruled in favor of a single joint trial to determine the admissibility of the statements, with proceedings adjourned to May 12.