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.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the charges were ready and sought leave for them to be read to the defendants.
The hearing was briefly stalled after one of the defendants reported that his counsel was indisposed, while another required an interpreter, prompting the court to stand down the matter.
When proceedings resumed, all six defendants took their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for their remand in DSS custody and requested an accelerated hearing.
While most defence counsel did not oppose the application, counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file for bail.
In a ruling, the trial judge granted accelerated hearing, ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody with access to their lawyers, and adjourned the case to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
