The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, stating that Justice Joyce Abdumalik issued the order and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for trial to commence and the hearing of bail applications.
Those standing trial are a retired major general, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; a retired navy captain, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; and a police inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim.
Others are Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa, and Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, both Zaria-based Islamic clerics.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to 13 counts bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses available, subject to the court’s convenience.
The lawyer to the first defendant informed the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing, while counsel for the second, third, and sixth defendants expressed their reservations regarding their readiness to proceed, stating that short notice was given to them and the complexity of the case.
The judge directed all parties to decide on dates suitable for a quick trial prior to fixing the adjourned dates.
The AGF also asked that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), which the judge agreed to.
More details later.