Court Orders Speedy Trial For Alleged Coup Plotters Fixes April 29 As Hearing Begins In Abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, setting April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5, 2026 as key dates for proceedings.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik invoked the court’s fast track procedure on Monday, directing that the matter proceed on an expedited basis due to the gravity of the allegations.

At the hearing, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that the prosecution was fully ready to proceed and had witnesses on standby, subject to the court’s scheduling.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, informed the court of a pending bail application, but Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the substantive trial would commence before bail applications are considered.

Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants, Paul Erokoro, A I Yeru, and N S Diri, raised concerns over limited time to prepare their defence, citing the complexity of the charges and urgency of the proceedings.

The court subsequently directed all parties to harmonise their schedules to ensure an uninterrupted and accelerated hearing, before adopting the April and May dates for trial.

The case is expected to draw widespread national attention given the seriousness of the treason related allegations and the involvement of multiple high profile defendants.