Court Schedules Speedy Trial for Alleged Coup Plotters

The Federal High Court in Abuja, under the authority of Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, has invoked the practice of a speedy trial for six defendants accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. The court has scheduled trial hearings for April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5.

During the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, informed the court that the prosecution's witnesses were unavailable, which was noted as a subject of convenience for the court. Counsel for the first defendant, Moham Ilayepo, indicated that his client's bail application was due for hearing.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would commence before considering the bail application. Counsel Paul Erokoro, representing the second, third, and sixth defendants, expressed reservations about proceeding on short notice due to the complex nature of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik directed that counsel agree on suitable dates for the speedy trial, which has now been fixed.