Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni has denied any involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, insisting that all the money he received were strictly for prayers and charitable purposes.
Goni’s denial came as fresh details emerged in the ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Investigators had confronted him with financial records showing multi-million naira transfers allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
Proceedings began on a sombre note after defence counsel informed the court of the death of a colleague, U.H. Kamra, who reportedly died in a car accident following the previous day’s sitting.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik observed a minute’s silence before resuming the trial.
The court then reviewed a recorded extra-judicial statement made by Goni as part of the prosecution’s evidence against six defendants standing trial over the alleged coup conspiracy.
In the video, Goni said he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri.
He described his relationship with Ma’aji as purely religious, stating that the military officer sought prayers over delayed promotion and personal challenges.
The cleric maintained that all funds transferred to him were tied to religious activities and charity.
Investigators’ challenge
However, investigators challenged his explanation, presenting records indicating that the transfers began as far back as March 2023—months before the promotion-related issues he referenced.
They also pointed to transactions running into millions of naira, including a ₦10 million transfer allegedly made in October 2024.
Investigators further suggested that certain discussions uncovered during the probe, including references to gaining “access” and acquiring “work tools,” raised suspicions of a broader operation linked to the alleged coup plot.
Goni denied any knowledge of such plans and insisted he had no involvement in political or military activities.
The court also viewed another video involving the fourth defendant, Zekari Umoru, a maintenance employee at the Presidential Villa working with Julius Berger Nigeria.
In the recording, Umoru claimed he was “misled” into associating with Ma’aji and denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.
He admitted receiving several cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing ₦8.8 million, but said he believed the transactions were tied to business opportunities.
At a previous hearing, the court reviewed video evidence in which some defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings, and reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, while denying any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of trial.
