Cleric Warns Coup Against Tinubu Will Fail Amid Trial

Sani Abdulkadir, a cleric based in Zaria, has warned that any coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will fail. Abdulkadir is currently on trial alongside five others accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.

During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, it was revealed that Abdulkadir identified himself as a ringleader in the alleged coup plot, which involved Colonel Ma Aji. He admitted to receiving money for prayer support to ensure the success of the operation.

Abdulkadir stated that he learned of the coup plot through media reports and maintained that the funds received were strictly for prayer purposes, not for supporting a coup. The prosecution sought to tender extra-judicial statements made by the defendants, but the defense objected, arguing that the statements were obtained involuntarily and violated the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The trial judge, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, ruled in favor of a single joint trial for the defendants, and the case was adjourned to May 12.