The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after they were arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.
The proceedings, which began around 1:46 p.m. on Wednesday, saw the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, inform the court that the charges were ready and seek permission for them to be read to the defendants.
The session experienced a brief delay after the third defendant told the court that his lawyer was unavailable due to ill health. In addition, counsel to the sixth defendant informed the court that his client only understands Arabic and Hausa, prompting the judge to stand down the case temporarily to allow for an interpreter.
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When the court reconvened at about 2:18 p.m., all six defendants entered their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and also asked for an accelerated hearing of the case. Most of the defence lawyers did not oppose the request, although counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
In his ruling, the trial judge granted the request for accelerated hearing and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody, with access to their legal representatives.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
