April 27, (THEWILL) — Trial will commence before the hearing of bail applications in the case of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, following a ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who also granted an accelerated hearing and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5, for proceedings.
THEWILL earlier reported that the Federal Government had filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against seven individuals, including former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva (who is reportedly at large), over an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu.
The defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; retired Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani, are facing a 13-count charge filed by the Federal Government bordering on allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
Justice Abdulmalik had on April 22, ordered the remand of the six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after they all pleaded not guilty. The court also granted an accelerated hearing of the matter and adjourned proceedings to April 27 for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.
At the resumed sitting of proceedings on Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the Federal Government was ready to proceed with the trial, adding that witnesses were already available and would be presented in line with the court’s schedule.
A key issue, however, arose when counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, notified the court of a pending bail application and urged that it be heard before the commencement of trial.
In a firm ruling, Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, holding that the trial would take precedence, with bail applications to be considered at a later stage.
The ruling drew concern from members of the defence team. Counsel to the second, third and sixth defendants—Paul Erokoro (SAN), A. I. Yeru and N. S. Diri, expressed reservations about proceeding on the scheduled dates, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
They argued that the charges (marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026), which border on grave offences including treason and threats to national security, require adequate time for preparation, warning that immediate commencement of trial could affect the defence’s ability to respond comprehensively.
In response, Justice Abdulmalik emphasised the need for cooperation among counsel and the importance of ensuring a speedy trial without unnecessary delays. She subsequently directed all parties to agree on suitable dates within the framework of the accelerated hearing already granted.
Following consultations, the court adopted the four dates earlier proposed and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the hearing of the case.
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