A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved an accelerated hearing in the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik 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 session, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s schedule.
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would proceed before any bail applications are considered.
Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri—objected, saying they had not had sufficient time to prepare due to the complexity of the case.
The judge subsequently directed all parties to agree on suitable dates, after which the court scheduled the accelerated hearing dates.
The Federal Government had earlier arraigned the suspects last Wednesday on a 13-count charge. They include Ibrahim Gana (retd), who appeared in a wheelchair, as well as retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. All pleaded not guilty.
Following their plea, the prosecution urged that they be remanded in DSS custody and tried expeditiously. The court granted both requests.
The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges offences including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
It also claims the defendants conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” with the aim of overthrowing the President, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
A former Minister of Petroleum, Timiprye Sylva, was also named in the charge but is currently at large.
The case has drawn additional attention after journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, raising concerns about transparency in the trial process.
About The Author
