An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, has explained his relationship with some people indicted in the alleged planned coup against the Bola Tinubu government.
Goni, who is among those standing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, denied involvement in the plot and claimed the money he received from one of the suspected coup plotters, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, was strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes”.
He said during the trial, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, that he was helping the officer on interventions connected to alleged promotion setbacks.
However, investigators pointed to financial records allegedly showing transfers running into millions of naira, including a “₦10m transfer” in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his explanation.
The prosecution further suggested that discussions referenced in the videos, including remarks about gaining access and acquiring “work tools,” raised concerns about a broader scheme, though both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.
Following the preview of the video statement, counsel for the sixth defendant and senior counsel, Michael Numa, told the court he had just received the video exhibits of his client, adding that he needed more time to go through the exhibits.
While defence counsel argued for the case to be adjourned to a further date, prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to stand by its earlier order for accelerated hearing of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter till May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.
On Monday, the court viewed separate videos in which other defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, but denied participating in any concrete plan to overthrow the government.
