A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday played a video recording of an alleged confession by one of the defendants in the ongoing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The sixth defendant, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, told investigators in the video that he had warned those allegedly involved that the coup plan would fail and that some members would eventually expose the plot.
The recording was presented during the continuation of proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with the fourth prosecution witness, identified as PW4, still testifying.
In the video, Abdulkadir, who described himself as an Islamic cleric, said he became connected to the alleged plot through a man identified as Sanda, who approached him for prayers on behalf of an alleged ringleader, Colonel Ma’aji.
According to him, Sanda informed him that his “oga” intended to stage a coup and wanted spiritual guidance and prayers regarding the success of the operation. Abdulkadir said he later told them the plan would fail and that two people involved would betray the group.
He further stated that money was later sent to him for prayers and charity, while names of individuals allegedly linked to the plot were also forwarded for inclusion in the prayers. Abdulkadir maintained that the funds were not payments to support a coup.
The cleric also told investigators that he never reported the alleged plot because he did not know who to report to, despite understanding that a coup meant the forceful overthrow of a government.
Following the presentation of the video, the prosecution sought to tender extra-judicial statements allegedly made by the six defendants before military investigators and a Special Investigation Panel.
However, defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of the statements and video recordings, arguing that they were either obtained under duress or in violation of provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), particularly regarding legal representation during interrogation.
In a ruling, Justice Abdulmalik ordered a joint trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements and video evidence were voluntarily made and admissible in court. The case was adjourned until May 12, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
