A prominent Islamic cleric has revealed that he was approached by individuals plotting a coup against the current administration but warned them that their mission was bound to fail.

Speaking on the recent rumors of instability, the cleric, whose identity has been central to recent legal proceedings, stated that he firmly rejected the proposal and advised the plotters to steer clear of such unconstitutional actions.

The cleric’s disclosure comes shortly after a court ordered his release following a period of detention related to the alleged plot. He emphasized that his role as a religious leader is to promote peace and national stability, not to support the forceful takeover of government. He maintained that he had consistently told the alleged conspirators that Nigerians are not in support of military intervention and that the path to leadership should remain through democratic processes.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has remained relatively silent on the specifics of the investigation, though security agencies have intensified surveillance across the country. An African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesperson recently criticized the government’s lack of transparency regarding the alleged plot, arguing that the silence was creating unnecessary tension and anxiety among the public.

In a related development, a video statement recently surfaced featuring an alleged coup suspect who claimed he was misled into joining the movement. The suspect, whose testimony is being analyzed by security operatives, corroborated parts of the cleric’s story, suggesting that the plotters had reached out to various influential figures to gain legitimacy but were largely rebuffed.

Military authorities have reiterated their absolute loyalty to the Constitution and the President. They have warned that any attempt to disrupt the democratic order would be met with decisive force, urging Nigerians to go about their daily lives without fear. The recovery of weapons in separate operations in the North-East has also been linked by some analysts to a broader effort to secure the nation against both external and internal threats.

As the legal and security reviews continue, the cleric’s warning has become a focal point in the national conversation. It highlights the critical role religious and community leaders play in safeguarding democracy, even as the country navigates a complex political landscape leading toward the next major electoral cycle.