Court Grants Accelerated Trial for Six Alleged Coup Plotters
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has directed an accelerated hearing in the trial of six defendants accused of conspiring to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for trial proceedings and consideration of bail applications. During the session, the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that prosecution witnesses were ready to testify, subject to the court’s convenience.
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, sought to move his client’s bail application. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that trial proceedings must commence before bail applications would be entertained. Counsel for the second, third, and sixth defendants; Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri — expressed reservations about proceeding on short notice, citing the complexity of the case. The judge directed all counsel to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial, stressing the matter’s national importance.
The Federal Government arraigned the suspects last week on a 13‑count charge. The defendants include: Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), who appeared in court in a wheelchair; Retired naval captain Erasmus Victor; Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani.
They all pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, the AGF requested that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending trial. Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and ordered an accelerated hearing.
Also named in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of Petroleum Timipre Sylva.
The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney‑General and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges offences including: Treason and terrorism; Failure to disclose security intelligence, and Money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution contends that in 2025 the defendants conspired “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.
Journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, raising questions about transparency in handling such a sensitive matter. Judiciary correspondents expressed uncertainty about developments, particularly regarding the pending bail applications.
