…Case adjourned to April 29
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, April 27, 2026, granted accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The court presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has therefore scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that the prosecution had witnesses available, subject to the convenience of the court.
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was due for hearing for which Justice Abdulmalik, ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.
Similarly, counsel to the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th defendants; Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri respectively, expressed reservations about their readiness to proceed, citing the short notice given to them and the complex nature of the case.
Accordingly, Justice Abdulmalik directed all counsels to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial and subsequently fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5, as hearing dates for the accelerated trial.
