The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the terrorism trial of six defendants to April 27, 2026, after directing that they be granted access to their lawyers while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
They were remanded in the custody of the DSS.
The defendants are accused of plotting to stage a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At Wednesday’s hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court underscored the defendants’ right to legal representation, even as it approved the prosecution’s request for their continued detention.
The ruling followed their arraignment on a 13-count charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences.
After proceedings began, the third defendant informed the court that his lawyer was unavailable.
Counsel to the sixth defendant also raised concerns about language barriers, noting that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa.
The court subsequently stood down the matter to allow for the provision of an interpreter, ensuring that all defendants could fully participate in the proceedings.
When the court reconvened, all six defendants entered their pleas, each denying the allegations and pleading not guilty.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and sought an accelerated hearing. While the request for a speedy trial was largely unchallenged, counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request for an accelerated hearing and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody. She, however, directed that they must be allowed access to their legal representatives, reaffirming the principles of fair hearing and adequate defence.
The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment comes amid heightened public interest, with the defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, facing serious allegations linked to national security.
A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is also named in the charge sheet, remains at large.
The Federal Government alleges that the defendants were involved in activities aimed at undermining the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with charges said to include terrorism, treason, and related offences.
The case is expected to proceed to full trial on the adjourned date.
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