Court Orders Quick Trial for Alleged Coup Plot Suspects

On Monday, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered an accelerated trial for six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 29, 2024, with additional dates set for April 30, May 4, and May 5.

The defendants, including Moham Ibrahim Gana, Major General Erasmu Ochegobia, Victor, Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, face 13 counts of charges, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they have pleaded not guilty. The Attorney General of the Federation informed the court that the prosecution was ready, while the defense counsel raised concerns about the complexity of the case and the short notice.

The court directed that the trial proceed under tight security, with journalists allowed to cover the sessions. Separately, a military trial involving 36 service officers linked to the alleged coup plot is set to begin on May 8, 2024, at the military headquarters in Abuja.