Court Orders DSS Probe into Coup Trial Evidence Leak

On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered an investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) into the alleged leak of sensitive evidence in a high-profile coup trial. The trial involves six men accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, raised concerns that evidence had been leaked to social media, specifically mentioning a video posted online by the social media activist VeryDarkMan. Justice Joyc Abdulmalik directed the DSS to investigate the matter, emphasizing that leaking such materials violates court orders regarding witness protection.

The court also addressed the testimony of witnesses, who claimed their statements were made voluntarily without coercion, despite some admitting they were taken without legal representation present. The case has been adjourned to June 25 and June 30, with the first three defendants expected to open their defense, while the remaining three are scheduled for July 1 and 2.

The court will also rule on a bail application filed by the defense.