This is another part of a PREMIUM TIMES exclusive series on the failed coup against President Tinubu revealing how the alleged mastermind paid millions of naira to seek spiritual backing for the plot.
For months, Mohammed Ma’aji, a Nigerian Army colonel and alleged mastermind of last year’s failed coup, allegedly searched for more than weapons, money and military allies.
The records, which form part of the prosecution’s proof of evidence in the ongoing alleged coup trials before both a military-organised General Court Martial and civil Federal High Court in Abuja show that Mr Ma’aji repeatedly approached clerics for prayers, spiritual guidance and support for his plans.
But the clerics involved told investigators they made several attempts to stop what he repeatedly described as a planned “riot” against the government.
On 22 April, the federal government arraigned six suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged 2025 plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants are retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani.
They are standing trial on 13 charges of treason, terrorism, money laundering and failure to disclose information in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The investigation began after the coup plot was uncovered by the Nigerian authorities in September last year, leading to the arrest of serving and retired military officers alongside several civilians.
As investigators questioned dozens of suspects, they uncovered what they believe was an extensive network involving military personnel, civilians and religious figures.
Among those questioned were two Islamic clerics who insist they never supported any attempt to overthrow the government.
One of them, Bukar Goni, told investigators that his relationship with Mr Ma’aji began shortly before any alleged coup discussions.
According to his statement, he first became acquainted with M.A. Usman, a major, while the officer was still at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He said Mr Usman often sought prayers because he repeatedly failed the Staff and Command examinations required for promotion.
The cleric said he even introduced the officer to the Borno South senator, Ali Ndume, whom he described as someone who respected him because they came from the same constituency and because he serves as imam of Damba Modern Market Central Mosque.
It was through Mr Usman, he said, that he later met Mr Ma’aji.
Like Mr Usman, Mr Ma’aji allegedly complained about failing promotion examinations and asked the cleric to pray for him.
According to Mr Goni, when Mr Usman brought Mr Ma’aji to him, the colonel was in a state of professional despair. He had repeatedly failed his promotion exams to become a brigadier general and believed his bosses were intentionally failing him to kill his career.
Mr Goni told the colonel that what he needed was an animal sacrifice, known as “sadaka.”
Desperate to save his career, the colonel began sending money, ranging from N300,000 to N1 million at various times. Yet, the following year, the colonel failed his promotion again.
“He met me with tears,” the cleric told investigators.
“I consoled him and told him to depend on God and remain prayerful.”
According to Mr Goni, Mr Ma’aji became convinced that some people within the military would never allow him to rise.
He claimed Mr Ma’aji began talking about “boys” who wanted to stage what he repeatedly called a “riot.”
The cleric said he immediately discouraged the idea.
Realising the danger, Mr Usman secretly begged the cleric to use his spiritual influence to calm the colonel down and delay the violence. Mr Goni had managed to make the colonel postpone the strike twice, pushing it back to August.
To completely scare the colonel away from the risky plot, the cleric said he used a psychological trick. He told the colonel that within 20 days, he would have a specific dream.
The colonel later returned and confessed he dreamed that insects covered his legs, Mr Goni translated the dream as a divine warning: whatever physical action the colonel was planning would completely destroy him.
According to the statement, Mr Ma’aji appeared convinced and again agreed to abandon the alleged plan.
But the respite was temporary.
Months later, the thirst for a coup returned. The cleric said Mr Usman informed him that discussions about the planned uprising had resumed.
