Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has approved an accelerated hearing in the case involving six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings, alongside hearings for bail applications submitted by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution was prepared to proceed, with witnesses available subject to the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated readiness to move his client’s bail application. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any consideration of bail.
Lawyers representing other defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri—raised concerns about their preparedness, citing the short notice and the complexity of the charges.
In response, the judge directed all parties to agree on dates that would ensure a swift trial, subsequently fixing the schedule for accelerated proceedings.
The Federal Government had earlier arraigned the suspects, including Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge when it was read in court.
Following their plea, Fagbemi urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and to allow for an expedited trial. The court granted the request, ordering their detention by the DSS.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), include allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
Also named in the charge, but reportedly at large, is former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over transparency in the trial after journalists were barred from covering proceedings.
Judiciary correspondents expressed uncertainty over developments in the case, particularly as the defendants’ bail applications remain pending before the court.
