…to commence trial on April 27
Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services after they were arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.
During the court’s sitting, which began at about 1:46pm, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the charge was ready and sought leave to read them to the defendants.
However, proceedings were briefly stalled after the third defendant informed the court that his counsel was ill, while counsel to the sixth defendant said his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, prompting the court to stand down the matter to secure an interpreter.
Upon the court’s resumption at about 2:18 pm, all the six defendants took their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to the 13 counts.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for their remand in DSS custody.
He urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case, a request that was not opposed by most defence counsel, although the first defendant’s lawyer indicated an intention to file a bail application.
The trial judge in his ruling, ordered an accelerated hearing and directed that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody with access to their lawyers.
He adjourned the matter till April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial.
