‘I warned them it would fail’ – Islamic cleric testifies against alleged coup plotters
Islamic Cleric Testifies in Coup Plot Trial
ABUJA—Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric, testified Monday before a Federal High Court that he warned alleged coup plotters that their plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government would ultimately fail. His statement was made during the ongoing trial related to the alleged coup.
In a video recorded statement played in court, Sani, who is based in Kaduna, explained that he was approached through an intermediary named Sanda to provide spiritual support for the operation. He stated that, after conducting prayers, he advised the group that the conspiracy was likely to collapse due to internal betrayals.
“I told them the plan would fail because they would be exposed from within,” Sani testified.
The cleric acknowledged receiving funds from the alleged conspirators but clarified that the money was intended for prayers and charitable causes, not to facilitate a coup. “I did not collect money for a coup. The money was for prayers,” he said.
Additionally, Sani revealed that he was provided with the names of individuals allegedly involved in the plot for inclusion in his prayers, which he has submitted to the court.
