Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The court scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed, noting that its witnesses were available subject to the court’s convenience.
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing. Justice Abdulmalik, however, ruled that the trial would commence before bail applications would be considered.
Counsel to the second, third, and sixth defendants — Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri respectively — expressed reservations about proceeding, citing the short notice given to them and the complex nature of the charges.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik directed all counsel to agree on suitable dates to ensure a speedy trial. The court subsequently fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 as hearing dates for the accelerated proceedings.
The defendants are part of a group standing trial over allegations bordering on conspiracy to overthrow the government, with the charges reportedly filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The court’s decision to fast-track the matter signals an intention to prioritise the case, which has drawn public attention due to its national security implications.
The defendants remain in custody pending further proceedings, while the court is expected to hear both prosecution witnesses and bail applications within the scheduled dates.
