By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, directing that they be held in the custody of the Department of State Services pending trial.
The ruling followed their arraignment on a 13-count charge bordering on terrorism, treason, and money laundering. The sitting commenced at about 1:46 pm when the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the charge was ready and sought leave to have it read to the defendants.
Proceedings were briefly stalled after the third defendant told the court his counsel was indisposed and unable to attend. Counsel to the sixth defendant also raised a language barrier, stating that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa. The trial judge stood down the matter to secure a competent interpreter.
When the court reconvened at about 2:18 pm, all six defendants took their pleas. Each denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all 13 counts filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Immediately after the pleas, the prosecution applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing, citing national security concerns. The request for accelerated hearing was not opposed by most defence counsel.
However, counsel to the first defendant indicated an intention to file a formal bail application at a later date. No bail application was moved during Wednesday’s sitting, and the court did not entertain oral arguments for release.
In her ruling, the trial judge granted the prosecution’s request for an accelerated hearing and ordered that the six defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
She directed that the defendants must be given access to their lawyers and family members in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The case was adjourned till April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial. The judge warned all parties against actions that could delay proceedings, stressing that the court would sit daily once trial opens due to the gravity of the allegations.
The 13-count charge includes allegations of conspiracy to levy war against the state, terrorism, failure to disclose intelligence, and terrorism financing.
The Federal Government alleges the defendants conspired to overthrow the Tinubu administration and participated in meetings aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
