Adedokun Waliyu 
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.
The court fixed dates for the commencement of trial proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, depending on the court’s schedule.
Counsel to the first defendant indicated that his client’s bail application was ready for hearing. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any bail applications are considered.
Lawyers representing other defendants raised concerns about their readiness, citing short notice and the complexity of the case. The judge subsequently directed all counsel to agree on suitable dates for a speedy trial.
The defendants — including retired Major General Ibrahim Gana, retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani — had earlier pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge.
Following their plea, the Attorney General requested that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services and that the case be handled expeditiously. The court granted both requests, ordering their remand and accelerated trial.
Also listed in the charge but currently at large is Timipre Sylva.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, include alleged offences such as treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state in an attempt to overthrow the President.
Earlier, journalists were barred from covering the trial, raising concerns about transparency as the case proceeds.
