By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged leak of evidence from the ongoing trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the directive after prosecutors informed the court that sensitive trial materials had appeared on social media. The court acted to determine how the evidence was published despite an existing protective order.
Prosecution Raises Alarm Over Social Media Publication
During proceedings, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) told the court that some video exhibits tendered in the case had surfaced online.
According to him, the materials were allegedly posted by social media personality VeryDarkMan. Oyedepo also informed the court that the influencer was present in the courtroom during the hearing.
He urged the court to investigate the source of the leak and identify those responsible for publishing the materials.
Defence Lawyers Deny Involvement
In response, all six defence lawyers denied any connection to the publication of the exhibits.
Some defence counsel argued that the prosecution should file a formal application supported by an affidavit. They maintained that such a process would allow them to respond properly to the allegation.
However, Justice Abdulmalik directed the DSS to investigate the matter. She also ordered the agency to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible for violating the court’s order.
Court Hears Evidence in Trial-Within-Trial
Meanwhile, the court continued hearing evidence in the trial-within-trial. The proceeding seeks to determine whether statements allegedly made by the defendants were voluntary.
The fourth prosecution witness, identified only as “DDD,” testified before the court. He insisted that investigators obtained the statements without torture, threats or coercion.
The witness rejected allegations that operatives chained the defendants’ legs during interrogation.
“It is not true. The feet of the defendants were not chained. They walked into the interview room by themselves,” he said.
He added that any chains would have been audible in the video recordings already played in court.
Witness Defends Interrogation Process
Furthermore, the witness said none of the defendants requested the presence of lawyers, family members, Legal Aid Council officials or a Justice of the Peace during questioning.
He urged the court to admit both the written statements and audiovisual recordings as evidence.
Under cross-examination, the witness confirmed that lawyers were absent during the interviews. Nevertheless, he maintained that investigators neither tortured nor compelled the defendants to make statements.
Prosecution Closes Case in Trial-Within-Trial
Following the testimony, Oyedepo announced the closure of the prosecution’s case in the trial-within-trial.
The prosecution presented four witnesses in support of its position.
The six defendants face charges linked to an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s government.
Court Reserves Ruling on Bail Applications
The court also heard bail applications filed by the defendants.
While defence lawyers requested liberal bail conditions, the prosecution opposed the applications and urged the court to deny them.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed July 20 for ruling on the bail requests.
She scheduled June 25 and June 30 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to open their defence in the trial-within-trial.
The judge also directed the 4th, 5th and 6th defendants to present their defence on July 1 and July 2.
In addition, she stated that investigations into the alleged leak should continue alongside the ongoing trial.
