Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has approved an accelerated hearing in the case involving six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The court scheduled 29 April, 30 April, 4 May, and 5 May for the commencement of trial proceedings as well as the hearing of bail applications submitted by the defendants.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was ready for hearing.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would proceed before any bail applications are considered.
Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri—raised concerns about their preparedness, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
The judge subsequently directed all counsel to agree on suitable dates to ensure a speedy trial and fixed dates for the accelerated proceedings.
The Federal Government had arraigned the suspects last Wednesday.
The defendants—Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), who appeared in a wheelchair; retired naval captain Erasmus Victor; Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani—pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge.
Following their plea, Fagbemi requested that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and that the matter be expedited.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request for accelerated hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
The case was adjourned to 27 April for trial.
The Federal Government filed the 13-count charge last Tuesday through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, with the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Also named in the charge, but currently at large, is a former Minister of Petroleum, Timiprye Sylva.
The charges include allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution alleged 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.
Earlier, journalists were prevented from covering the proceedings, raising concerns about transparency in the handling of the case.
Judicial correspondents were reportedly left uncertain about developments, particularly as the defendants’ bail applications remain pending before the court.