A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Joyce Abdulmalik, has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings, including the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
At the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed, noting that witnesses were available subject to the court’s schedule.
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing. The request was declined by the judge, who ruled that trial proceedings would begin 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 readiness, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
In response, Justice Abdulmalik directed all parties to agree on dates to ensure a speedy trial. The court subsequently confirmed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the accelerated hearing.
Credit: Vanguard
