The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by the Federal Government to shield a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu. The ruling came as the prosecution opened its case by calling four witnesses in an accelerated trial.
Court Ruling on Witness Protection
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the protective measures after hearing arguments from both sides. The prosecution argued that the witness, a serving officer, faced security risks if exposed during proceedings. The judge sided with the government, citing the terrorism-related nature of one of the charges as justification for the order.
The ruling permits non-disclosure of the witness's name, address, and contact details, and directs that the identity must not appear in any court records or proceedings accessible to parties or the public. The court briefly adjourned to allow a protective screen to be set up before the witness testified.
Background of the Case
The defendants were arraigned on April 22 on 13 counts, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty. The trial involves a 13-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026.
Prosecution's Case
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that four witnesses were present. Three witnesses—officials from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank—testified and tendered documents obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The documents were admitted as evidence and subjected to cross-examination.
The fourth witness, a soldier from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, provided details of how the alleged coup plot was uncovered. He confirmed knowing the six defendants and described how funds were allegedly disbursed through Purple Wave account statements for the coup. The witness said the plotters drew up a plan identifying key government officers for assassination and targets including Niger Barracks. They also planned to take over key roads and streets during the execution.
The witness added that the plotters shared appointments among themselves, including agencies to be set up or merged after the coup. They conducted consultations and divination, with some defendants participating knowing a coup was ongoing. They received money and purchased vehicles retrofitted for kinetic purposes. Investigators recovered receipts from hotel reservations where meetings were held.
Defence Objections
Defence counsel did not oppose the witness protection application in principle but raised concerns about full anonymity from the defence team, arguing it would hamper their ability to test the witness's credibility and ensure a fair trial. They urged the court to balance security with constitutional rights.
Lawyers for the defendants objected to the admissibility of documents tendered by the prosecution but said they would provide reasons at the final address stage. Justice Abdulmalik admitted the documents in evidence.
Next Hearing
The court adjourned the case to May 4 and 5, 2026, for the fourth prosecution witness to continue testimony.
