Federal High Court in Abuja orders six defendants to remain in DSS custody, grants an accelerated trial, and fixes April 27 as the nation watches a case with explosive national security implications.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive security cases into sharp focus after ordering six defendants accused of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in the custody of the Department of State Services.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the order on Wednesday after the defendants were arraigned on a 13 count charge filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
All six pleaded not guilty.
The courtroom drama began almost immediately.
One of the defendants told the court that his lawyer was not available.
Counsel for the sixth defendant also raised concern over language, saying his client understood only Arabic and Hausa.
That forced the court to stand down briefly so an interpreter could be provided.
When proceedings resumed, the defendants entered their pleas.
None admitted the charges.
The prosecution then asked the court to remand them in DSS custody and to fast track the hearing.
The defence did not strongly oppose the request for accelerated trial, though counsel for the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody.
But she also drew a line.
They must be allowed access to their lawyers.
That ruling matters.
It shows the court is determined to keep the case moving while still insisting on fair hearing and legal representation.
The matter was then adjourned to April 27, 2026, for trial.
The accused include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva is also named in the charge sheet, but he is said to be at large.
The Federal Government alleges that the defendants were involved in activities aimed at undermining the administration of President Tinubu.
The charges reportedly include terrorism, treason and related offences.
Those are grave accusations.
They go to the heart of state security.
They also raise immediate questions about how deep the alleged network may have gone, how far the intelligence trail extended, and whether more names could still emerge as the case unfolds.
For now, the court has chosen speed without dropping due process.
That balance is crucial.
Security cases in Nigeria often carry political heat, public suspicion and legal pressure all at once.
This one is no different.
The presence of senior military and security figures among the accused will inevitably intensify public interest and sharpen scrutiny of both the prosecution and the defence.
The DSS custody order means the defendants remain under close state control while the case builds towards full trial.
The next hearing on April 27 is expected to be closely watched.
That is when the real contest begins.
Until then, the allegations remain allegations.
The accused have denied them.
And the court has made clear that the matter will proceed with urgency, access to counsel, and the full force of a national security trial.
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