Judge Sets Speedy Trial Dates for Six Alleged Coup Plotters in Nigeria

TL;DR: Judge Joyce Abdulmalik set the trial of six alleged coup plotters to begin on April 29, with additional hearings on April 30, May 4, and May 5, ordering the trial to proceed before any bail applications are heard.

The Federal High Court in Abuja granted an accelerated hearing after prosecutors said they were ready to call witnesses and proceed with the case. The suspects are accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a charge that has drawn public attention amid heightened political tensions.

During the proceedings, defense counsel for the first defendant argued that his client’s bail hearing should be addressed first, but Justice Abdulmalik objected and ruled that the trial would commence before bail applications are considered. The prosecution confirmed it has witnesses available and is prepared to move forward subject to the court’s schedule.

Counsel for the second, third, and sixth defendants expressed concerns about the short notice and the complexity of the case, prompting the judge to direct all parties to agree on suitable dates for a speedy trial. The court subsequently fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 as the hearing dates.

The decision signals the judiciary’s intent to resolve the matter quickly, though the defense’s readiness concerns may affect how smoothly the proceedings unfold. Observers will watch whether the prosecution can present its case effectively within the tight timetable and how the court handles any further bail requests.