Alleged Coup Plot: Court Invokes Practice Of Speedy Trial Of Six Defendants, Adjourns To April 29

Alleged Coup Plot: Court Invokes Practice Of Speedy Trial Of Six Defendants, Adjourns To April 29

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted the request for accelerated hearing in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.

The court scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.

In the course of proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses available, subject to the convenience of the court.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was due for hearing. Justice Abdulmalik, however, ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.

Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, who are counsel to the second, third, and sixth defendants respectively, expressed reservations about their readiness to proceed, citing the short notice given them and the complex nature of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik then directed all counsel to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial. The court subsequently fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 as hearing dates for the accelerated trial.