A Federal High Court in Abuja has watched a video recording of the alleged confession of Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the ongoing trial of persons accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu's government. In the video, the Islamic cleric told investigators that he warned the alleged plotters that the plan would fail and that they would eventually be exposed. He said he was approached through a man identified as Sanda for prayers concerning the coup plot and that after conducting prayers, he informed them the operation would fail. The court has adjourned until May 12, 2026.
Key Points:
- The video confession provides direct evidence linking the sixth defendant to knowledge of the alleged coup plot.
- The cleric's admission that he never reported the plot raises questions about civilian responsibility in national security.
- Defence lawyers have challenged the admissibility of the statements, alleging coercion and lack of legal representation.
- The court's order for a joint trial-within-trial will determine whether the confessions are voluntary.
- The timing of this trial, amid heightened political tensions ahead of 2027, keeps national security in the spotlight.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria
