Accelerated hearing scheduled for six defendants in purported coup plot, with proceedings postponed until April 29

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has taken a significant step in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration by granting an accelerated hearing.

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The court has set aside specific dates for the trial, with proceedings scheduled to take place on April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5, which will also include the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.

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Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, notified the court that the prosecution is prepared to move forward with its available witnesses, pending the court's convenience.

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Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, brought to the judge's attention that his client's bail application was due for a hearing, but Justice Abdulmalik countered by ruling that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.

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Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, counsel to the second, third, and sixth defendants respectively, expressed concerns about their readiness to proceed due to the short notice and the complex nature of the case.

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Justice Abdulmalik instructed all counsel to come to an agreement on suitable dates for a speedy trial, ultimately leading to the fixation of April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 as the hearing dates for the accelerated trial.