Court Orders Accelerated Trial Of Alleged Coup Plot Suspects

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Monday, invoked a speedy trial procedure and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of the trial and hearing of bail applications.

However, the judge ruled that proceedings would begin before any bail applications are considered.

The defendants include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa.

Others are Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a cleric based in Zaria.

They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

In one of the charges, the defendants were accused of conspiring in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready.

However, defence counsel, including Mohammed Ilayepo, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, raised concerns over the short notice and complexity of the case.

Despite objections, the court directed all parties to align on dates for a speedy trial.

Proceedings were conducted under tight security, with journalists barred from covering the session.

Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services, ordered reporters out of the courtroom shortly before the judge took her seat.

Parallel Court Martial To Resume May 8

Meanwhile, a separate military trial involving 36 serving officers linked to the alleged coup plot is set to resume on May 8.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the officers are being tried under military law at a tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The simultaneous civilian trial and military court martial underscore the scale of the alleged conspiracy, which authorities say involved both civilians and serving military personnel.

A former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who was mentioned in several counts but not listed as a defendant, is reportedly at large.

The six suspects were earlier arraigned and remanded in the custody of the DSS, as investigations into the alleged failed coup continue.