However, the clerics maintained in their statements to investigators that they consistently discouraged any attempt to overthrow the government. The Federal Government, on April 22, arraigned six defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged 2025 coup plot. Goni alleged that Ma’aji later spoke about individuals planning what he described as a “riot,” but insisted he discouraged the idea each time it was raised. Another cleric, Abdulkadir Sani, also told investigators that Ma’aji initially approached him only for prayers during a religious event in Bida. He further alleged that the colonel later requested prayers to prevent internal betrayal and subsequently transferred ₦2 million into his bank account.