A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the case involving six individuals accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, approved a fast-track trial process and scheduled proceedings for April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5. The court also indicated that bail applications would be considered during the course of the trial.
The defendants include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician working at the Presidential Villa. Others are Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric based in Zaria.
They are facing a 13-count charge covering allegations such as treason, terrorism, failure to disclose critical information, and money laundering. All six have pleaded not guilty.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution was prepared to present witnesses. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would begin before any bail applications are heard.
Some defence lawyers raised concerns about the short notice and complexity of the case, but the court maintained its decision and directed all parties to cooperate in ensuring a speedy trial.
Journalists were not allowed to cover the session, as court officials and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) asked them to leave the courtroom shortly before proceedings began.
The suspects were initially arraigned last week over what authorities described as a failed coup attempt in 2025. According to the charges, they allegedly conspired to wage war against the Nigerian state in a bid to remove the President from office.
In a related development, a separate military court-martial involving 36 serving officers connected to the alleged plot is scheduled to resume on May 8. The military proceedings are being held at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, and are focused on internal disciplinary violations under military law.
The existence of both civilian and military trials highlights the scale of the alleged conspiracy, which reportedly involves a mix of serving personnel, retired officers, and civilians.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, who was mentioned in several counts but not formally charged, is reportedly still at large.
Earlier reports suggest that about 40 individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot.
