The trial of six individuals accused of treason and terrorism has been fast-tracked by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing on Monday, fixing April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of bail applications.
The defendants were arraigned by the Federal Government on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty.
Those standing trial include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa. Others are Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly conspired in 2025 to levy war against the state in a bid to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
At the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s convenience.
While counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated readiness to move a bail application, lawyers to other defendants, including Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, raised concerns over short notice and the complexity of the case.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that trial would proceed ahead of any bail applications and directed all parties to agree on dates to ensure a speedy hearing.
Meanwhile, journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, as court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services, asked reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the judge took her seat. No official reason was given, but the journalists complied.
Following their arraignment last Wednesday, the court had earlier fixed April 27 for the hearing of bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
In a related development, former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but has not been listed as a defendant, with prosecutors saying he is currently at large.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
Of that number, 36 serving officers have been arraigned before a court-martial at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
