A Federal High Court ordered the accelerated trial of several suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the government, while simultaneously barring journalists and the public from attending the proceedings.
The defendants are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and three others—Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Meanwhile, journalists were barred from covering the proceedings on the order attributed to the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Although there is no application by the prosecution for a secret trial, security officers attached to the trial judge escorted journalists out of the courtroom before proceedings began.
Journalists who arrived as early as 8 a.m. to secure seats were ordered to leave immediately.
The security officers said they were simply carrying out instructions from Justice Abdulmalik, not to allow any journalists into her court.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with its available witnesses. But Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, interjected pointing out that his client’s bail application was due for hearing.
He was, however, overruled by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik who ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.
Counsel to the second, third, and sixth defendants; Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru and N.S. Diri, expressed reservations about their readiness to proceed, citing the short notice given to them and the complex nature of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik then directed all counsel to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial.
Accordingly, the court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 as hearing dates for the accelerated trial.
