During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready to testify, depending on the court’s schedule.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The judge fixed April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 for the commencement of trial as well as the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready to testify, depending on the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was ripe for hearing.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that trial proceedings would take precedence over any bail consideration.
Lawyers representing the second, third and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru and N.S. Diri—raised concerns over their preparedness, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
Despite their objections, the judge directed all parties to agree on dates for a speedy trial, after which the court fixed the accelerated hearing dates.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny over ongoing trials linked to alleged coup plots in Nigeria.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that armed security operatives barred journalists from accessing the venue of a high-profile court-martial involving 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow President Tinubu’s administration.
The court-martial, convened by the Defence Headquarters, was held under tight security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, with proceedings conducted behind closed doors.
Journalists were denied entry without explanation, while security officials also banned the use of mobile phones and recording devices within the vicinity, raising concerns over transparency in the military justice system.
SaharaReporters reported that the Defence Headquarters had constituted a General Court Martial to try the personnel drawn from different arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in what observers describe as one of the largest military trials in recent years.
