Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the opening of proceedings and consideration of bail requests submitted by the accused persons.

During the session, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the prosecution team had witnesses ready to testify, depending on the court’s schedule.

Counsel representing the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, stated that his client’s bail request was ready for determination. However, the judge ruled that the substantive hearing would begin before any bail issues are addressed.

Lawyers representing the second, third, and sixth defendants — Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri — raised concerns over limited preparation time and the intricate nature of the allegations.

Following discussions, the court instructed all parties to harmonise on suitable dates to ensure a swift hearing process, after which the above dates were confirmed for proceedings.

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After their plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the court to order that they be held in the custody of the Department of State Services and urged that the matter be heard without delay.

However, counsel to the first accused, Mohammed Ndayako, requested guarantees that they would be allowed adequate access to their clients while they remain in detention.

In reply, the Attorney-General assured the court that the defendants’ rights would be upheld, emphasizing that there had been no previous issues concerning access.

He further noted that everyone involved agrees on the importance of a speedy trial.

A few days earlier, the Federal Government had fixed a date for the trial of those accused of plotting a coup, which investigators say involved plans for a violent takeover of government in October 2025.

Among those implicated is a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum Affairs, Timipre Sylva, who is currently on the run. The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the planned coup.

The coming days, along with witness accounts, are expected to provide greater clarity on what is considered one of the most disturbing incidents in recent times.

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The comprehensive probe, conducted according to established military procedures, examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the officers. Findings revealed that some of the personnel were implicated in allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, an act inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Those found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before the relevant military judicial panels and tried in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. The process is designed to ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.

The AFN emphasized that the measures are purely disciplinary and form part of ongoing institutional efforts to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the military. The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.

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