Abuja Court Orders Joint Trial-within-Trial in Alleged Coup Plot Case
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a joint trial-within-trial to assess the voluntariness of statements and video evidence presented by prosecutors in a high-profile case involving an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government. The decision, made by Judge Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday, comes amid heated arguments between defence lawyers and prosecutors over the admissibility of the evidence.
Key Developments in the Trial
The prosecution sought to introduce extra-judicial statements attributed to the six defendants, including retired army officers and civilians, as well as accompanying video recordings. However, defence lawyers strongly objected, arguing that the statements were obtained under duress and violated safeguards under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
Olalekan Ojo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and lawyer for the fifth defendant, urged the court to conduct separate trials-within-trial for each defendant, citing the need for fairness and justice. In response, prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, also a SAN, insisted on a joint trial-within-trial, stating that his team was prepared for the process. After hearing both sides, Judge Abdulmalik ruled in favor of a joint trial-within-trial and adjourned the proceedings until May 12.
The Defendants and Allegations
The accused include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Zaria-based Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani. They face 13 charges, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering.
The alleged plot came to light in September 2023, leading to the arrest of both serving and retired military officers, as well as their alleged civilian accomplices. Some military officers are also facing separate trials before a General Court Martial.
Controversy Over Evidence
Defence lawyers challenged the prosecution’s video evidence, claiming it did not fully capture the process of obtaining the statements or reflect compliance with legal procedures. They argued that the circumstances of the evidence collection raised concerns about possible coercion and oppression during interrogation.
The prosecution, however, maintains that the evidence is vital to establishing the defendants’ involvement in the alleged conspiracy. So far, three witnesses have testified, with a fifth yet to be discharged. Previous hearings have included the playing of video recordings, with the latest shown in court just before Monday’s arguments.
What’s Next?
The joint trial-within-trial will focus solely on determining whether the defendants’ statements were made voluntarily. If the court finds they were not, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
As Nigeria’s judicial system continues to scrutinize the alleged coup plot, the case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the complexities of balancing national security with the protection of individual rights.
— Reported by Nexio News
