Court Orders Swift Trial for Alleged Coup Plotters as Tension Mounts in Abuja

By Frontline Reporters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the high-stakes trial of six men accused of plotting to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the matter on Monday, invoked a speedy trial procedure and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of proceedings, including the hearing of bail applications.

The move came after the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution was fully prepared and had witnesses on standby, pending the court’s schedule.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, urged the court to first hear his client’s bail application. But Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the substantive trial would begin before any bail requests are considered.

However, legal representatives of the second, third, and sixth defendants — Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri — raised concerns over the short notice and the complexity of the case, warning that adequate preparation time was needed.

The judge subsequently directed all parties to harmonise dates suitable for an expeditious trial before adjourning.

Journalists Barred from Courtroom

In a dramatic twist, journalists were denied access to the courtroom shortly before proceedings began.

Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), ordered reporters to vacate the courtroom moments before Justice Abdulmalik entered.

One court official claimed the directive came directly from the judge, while a DSS operative promised to give further clarification later.

Reporters, who had arrived as early as 8 a.m., were eventually forced out by 9:07 a.m.

Six Defendants Face 13-Count Charge

The six accused persons were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup attempt.

They include:

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
Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric

They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty.

In one of the charges, prosecutors alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 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.

Timipre Sylva Named, Declared at Large

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in seven of the 13 counts, although he has not been formally listed as a defendant. Prosecutors told the court he is currently at large.

Wider Crackdown Unfolds

Earlier reports indicated that no fewer than 40 suspects — including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians — were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.

Out of the number, 36 serving officers have already been arraigned before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.

The unfolding trial is expected to draw national attention as it opens later this week.