Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed, with witnesses available subject to the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was ready for hearing. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any bail applications are considered.
Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri respectively, raised concerns about their preparedness, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
The judge subsequently directed all parties to agree on suitable dates for a speedy trial, after which the court confirmed the accelerated hearing schedule.
The Federal Government had earlier arraigned the defendants last Wednesday on a 13-count charge.
The suspects, Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—pleaded not guilty to the charges when read in court.
Following their plea, Fagbemi requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and that the case be fast-tracked.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request, ordering their remand in DSS custody and approving an accelerated trial.
Also named in the charge but said to be at large is former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
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 alleged 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.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over transparency in the proceedings after journalists were barred from covering the trial. Judiciary correspondents were reportedly left uncertain about developments, particularly as bail applications remain pending before the court.
