Court orders expedited trial in alleged coup plot against Tinubu’s government

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an expedited trial for six people accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed April 29 and 30, and May 4 and 5 for the commencement of the trial, including the hearing of the suspects’ bail applications.

At the hearing, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi told the court the prosecution was ready and had witnesses available, subject to the court’s timetable.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, said his client’s bail application was ready to be heard. However, the judge ruled that the trial would proceed before any bail applications would be considered.

Lawyers for the second, third and sixth defendants raised concerns, stating that they had had limited time to prepare and that the charges were complex.

In response, the judge urged all parties to agree on dates that would allow for a swift trial, after which the court settled on the scheduled hearing dates.