“First the trial begins, then the bail”: the Court accelerates the treason case…

The Federal High Court on Monday ordered a speedy trial for six people accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, with the judge telling defense lawyers: trial comes before bail.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Division granted the prosecution’s request for an expedited hearing and set four expedited dates – April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 – for trial and bail arguments.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that the state’s witnesses were ready and waiting.

The defense doesn’t.

Mohammed Ilayepo, lawyer for the first defendant, first tried to argue for bail.

Judge Abdulmalik shut it down.

“The trial will begin before any bail application is considered,” he ruled.

Lawyers for the second, third and sixth defendants – Paul Erokoro, AI Yeru and NS Diri – objected, citing short notice and a “complex” case.

The judge told all the lawyers to agree on dates for a speedy trial anyway.

They did it. The clock starts on April 29th.

The six defendants are accused of plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

Details of the alleged plot were not read in open court Monday.

Speedy trial provisions in treason cases allow courts to prioritize national security issues and limit delays.

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