Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the case involving six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik 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.
During the court session, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed and had witnesses available, subject to the court’s convenience.
Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court that his client’s bail application was ripe for hearing. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any bail requests are entertained.
Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri—raised concerns over their preparedness. They pointed to the short notice and the complexity of the case as reasons for their reservations.
In response, the judge directed all parties to harmonise their schedules to ensure a swift and efficient trial process.
Following consultations, the court confirmed the earlier dates for the proceedings, signaling a fast-tracked approach to the high-profile case.