A Federal High Court on Monday ordered a speedy trial for six people accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, with the judge telling defence lawyers: trial comes before bail.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Division granted the prosecution’s push for accelerated hearing and set four rapid-fire dates — April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 — for trial and bail arguments.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court the state’s witnesses are ready and waiting.
The defence wasn’t.
Mohammed Ilayepo, counsel to the first defendant, tried to argue bail first.
Justice Abdulmalik shut it down.
“The trial would commence before any bail applications are considered,” she ruled.
Lawyers for the second, third, and sixth defendants — Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri — pushed back, citing short notice and a “complex” case.
The judge told all counsel to agree on dates for a speedy trial anyway.
They did. The clock starts April 29.
The six defendants face allegations of plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
Details of the alleged plot were not read in open court Monday.
Speedy trial provisions in treason cases allow courts to prioritise national security matters and limit delays.
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