Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be fast-tracked.
As part of the accelerated process, the court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings as well as the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s convenience.
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was due for hearing.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any bail applications would be considered.
Lawyers representing other defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri—expressed concerns over their preparedness, citing the short notice given and the complexity of the charges. In response, the court directed all parties to agree on suitable dates to ensure a speedy trial.
The Federal Government had earlier arraigned the suspects on a 13-count charge. Those standing trial include Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), who appeared in a wheelchair; retired naval captain Erasmus Victor; Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani. All six defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
Following their plea, Fagbemi requested that the court remand them in the custody of the Department of State Services and grant an expedited trial. The court subsequently granted both requests.
The case was adjourned to April 27 for trial proceedings and accelerated hearing.
Court filings revealed that the charges were brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The allegations range from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants 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 listed in the charge, but reportedly still at large, is former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged over transparency in the handling of the case after journalists were barred from covering the trial.
Judiciary correspondents were left without access to proceedings, creating uncertainty about developments, particularly regarding the pending bail applications.
