By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the terrorism trial of six defendants to April 27, 2026, after ordering that they be granted access to their legal representatives while in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The defendants, who are facing charges linked to alleged terrorism and treason, were remanded in DSS custody following their arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday. The defendants are accused of plotting to stage a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They were arraigned on a 13-count charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, bordering on terrorism-related offences. All six defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Those standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is also named in the charge, is currently at large. During the hearing, issues relating to legal representation and language barriers were raised. One of the defendants informed the court that his lawyer was absent, while counsel to another defendant noted that his client only understood Arabic and Hausa.
The court temporarily stood down proceedings to allow for the provision of an interpreter, ensuring that all defendants could fully participate in the trial. Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and sought an accelerated hearing of the case.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
Justice Abdulmalik granted both requests, ordering the continued detention of the defendants while approving an expedited trial process. However, the court emphasized the defendants’ right to fair hearing, directing that they must be given unhindered access to their lawyers. Counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial. The proceedings have attracted significant public attention due to the gravity of the allegations, which the Federal Government says involve attempts to undermine national security and destabilise the administration.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DDNewsOnline