Suspected coup plotters arraigned, remanded in DSS custody

The 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.

At the proceedings, which began around 1:46 p.m., the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that the charge was ready and sought permission for it to be read to the defendants.

The session was briefly interrupted after the third defendant informed the court that his counsel was indisposed, while counsel to the sixth defendant stated that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa. This prompted the court to stand down the matter to allow for the provision of an interpreter.

When proceedings resumed at about 2:18 p.m., all six defendants entered their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to the 13-count charge.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and also urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case. While most defence counsel did not oppose the request, the lawyer to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.

In his ruling, the trial judge granted accelerated hearing, ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody with access to their legal representatives, and adjourned the case until April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.