Federal High Court Orders DSS Custody for Six Alleged Coup Plotters Against President Tinubu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken decisive action by ordering the remand of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The court directed that the alleged coup plotters be held in the custody of the Department of State Services following their arraignment on Wednesday.
Arraignment and Charges
The defendants faced a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism, which was presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Proceedings commenced at approximately 1:46 PM, with Fagbemi informing the court that the charge was ready and seeking leave to have it read to the defendants.
According to reports from PUNCH, the arraignment experienced a brief delay when the third defendant stated that his legal counsel was indisposed. Additionally, counsel for the sixth defendant informed the court that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, necessitating the court to stand down the matter to secure an interpreter.
Plea and Court Ruling
When the court reconvened at about 2:18 PM, all six defendants entered their pleas, vehemently denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to all 13 counts. Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case.
Most defense counsel did not oppose the request for remand, although the lawyer for the first defendant indicated an intention to file a bail application. In his ruling, the trial judge ordered an accelerated hearing and directed that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody with access to their legal representatives.
Next Steps in the Case
The court adjourned the matter until April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against individuals accused of attempting to destabilize the Nigerian government through alleged coup activities.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to its implications for national security and the stability of the Tinubu administration. Legal experts anticipate that the accelerated hearing schedule will ensure a timely resolution of the matter while upholding due process rights for all defendants involved.
