By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, while a parallel military court-martial involving serving officers linked to the alleged coup plot is set to resume on May 8.
According to The PUNCH, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday invoked a speedy trial procedure and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.
The six defendants — Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired Major General; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired Navy Captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; Bukar Kashim Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric based in Zaria — are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering and failure to disclose information.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with witnesses, subject to the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, urged the court to hear his client’s bail application, but Justice Abdulmalik ruled that trial proceedings would commence before any bail requests are entertained.
Lawyers representing the second, third and sixth defendants — Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru and N.S. Diri — expressed concerns over the short notice and complexity of the matter, but the court directed parties to agree on dates suitable for an accelerated hearing.
The PUNCH further reported that journalists were barred from covering proceedings shortly before the hearing commenced.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), ordered reporters out of the courtroom moments before Justice Abdulmalik took her seat.
A court official reportedly informed journalists that the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative said explanations would be given later.
The journalists, who had arrived at the court premises as early as 8:00 a.m., complied with the directive and exited the courtroom around 9:07 a.m.
The six suspects were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over what authorities described as a failed coup attempt.
In one of the charges, the prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” contrary to Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The court had earlier ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters confirmed to AFP that a military court-martial involving 36 serving officers connected to the alleged conspiracy will resume sitting on May 8 at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
The officers are facing separate disciplinary proceedings under military law, distinct from the civilian prosecution before the Federal High Court.
The ongoing civilian and military proceedings highlight the scale of the alleged conspiracy, which security authorities say involved both serving military personnel and civilians.
The PUNCH also reported that former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, whose name allegedly appeared in seven of the 13 charges, has not been listed as a defendant and is reportedly at large.
Security agencies had earlier disclosed that about 40 suspects, including retired and serving military officers as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot.
