Court Remands Six Alleged Coup Plotters in DSS Custody

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that six alleged coup plotters be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after they were arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.

The defendants were brought before the court on Wednesday in proceedings that began at about 1:46 p.m. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the charges were ready and requested that they be formally read to the accused persons.

The hearing was briefly delayed after the third defendant informed the court that his lawyer was unavailable, while counsel to the sixth defendant told the court that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa. This prompted the court to temporarily stand down proceedings to arrange for an interpreter to ensure proper understanding of the charges.

When proceedings resumed at about 2:18 p.m., all six defendants entered their pleas and denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to all 13 counts of terrorism-related offences linked to the alleged coup plot.

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Following the arraignment, the prosecution counsel applied for the defendants—described in court proceedings as alleged coup plotters—to be remanded in DSS custody, arguing that their continued detention was necessary to support ongoing investigations and ensure effective prosecution of the case. The prosecution also urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing, a request that was largely not opposed by defence counsel, although counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.

In its ruling, the trial judge granted the request for an accelerated hearing and ordered that the six alleged coup plotters remain in DSS custody while granting them access to their legal representatives.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial proceedings.

Security sources say the case forms part of broader efforts to address alleged threats to Nigeria’s national security, though full details of the alleged coup plot have not been made public.

The DSS is expected to continue holding the suspects as the case proceeds through the judicial process.

Court Remands Six Alleged Coup Plotters in DSS Custody

Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, questioning the rationale behind the recent cabinet reshuffle.

The Presidency had earlier announced a minor restructuring of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which affected two cabinet members and led to new appointments in key ministries. The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the statement, Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were relieved of their duties as part of efforts to improve coordination within the cabinet and strengthen delivery of the government’s economic and development agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.

The Presidency also explained that the reshuffle was aimed at enhancing efficiency and aligning ministries with current national priorities.

Following the changes, Taiwo Oyedele was elevated to oversee the Finance Ministry portfolio, while Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate for Housing, pending completion of administrative processes. Outgoing officials were directed to conclude handover procedures on or before April 23, 2026.

Reacting via his verified Facebook page, Melaye questioned the decision, arguing that in “civilised climes,” governments are expected to provide clear reasons for the removal of senior officials.

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“Mr President, when ministers are sacked in civilised climes, government must explain why they are sacked,” he wrote.

He further alleged possible financial misconduct linked to Edun’s removal, claiming without evidence that it could be connected to issues involving diverted public funds.

“Was the Minister of Finance removed because he could not cover up the stolen 24 billion dollars (34 trillion naira) diverted from our revenue? World Bank no dey lie,” he stated.

Melaye’s comments triggered widespread reactions online, with critics and supporters engaging in heated exchanges over his claims and public record.

Some social media users accused him of hypocrisy and challenged him to account for his time in public office, while others dismissed his allegations as politically motivated.

One user, Abdul Abdulsalam, wrote: “Tell us how you get money to acquire the exotic cars in your garage too. Be honest, are they not from stolen money?” Another commenter, Ibrahim Badamassi, added: “Birds of the same feather flock together.”

Other users referenced his legislative tenure and past controversies, with some mocking earlier incidents associated with his public image, while others defended the need for transparency in government decisions.

Wale Edun, who was appointed in August 2023, previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 and was seen as a key figure in Nigeria’s economic management under the current administration.

During his tenure as Finance Minister, he oversaw fiscal policy coordination amid concerns over budget implementation delays, capital project funding gaps, and slow disbursement of government expenditures.

The National Assembly had previously criticised aspects of budget execution, alleging weak implementation of capital projects and outstanding obligations to contractors, while raising concerns over the pace of economic reforms.

In response to such criticisms, Edun had defended government fiscal strategy, stating that Nigeria was prioritising debt servicing and moving away from what he described as unsustainable monetary practices.

He also maintained that significant portions of the national budget had been implemented, with efforts ongoing to improve capital expenditure performance.

The latest political controversy adds to growing debate over Nigeria’s economic management and the transparency of high-level government decisions.

Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted permission for substituted service of court documents via email on Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh in a ₦200 million fundamental rights suit arising from an alleged exorcism involving a minor.

The case was filed by human rights lawyer Barrister Ikechukwu Obasi on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II in Abuja, originally from Rivers State. The suit alleges that the actress subjected the child to degrading treatment during a religious deliverance session on March 6, 2026.

According to court filings, the incident was captured in a video and photographs that were later shared on the actress’s Facebook page. The plaintiff claims the child was placed on bare ground and pressed against a rough surface, resulting in public humiliation, stigma, psychological trauma, and a violation of her rights to dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

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The matter is being heard at High Court No. 3 in Maitama before Justice Maryann E. Anenih. During proceedings on Tuesday, the court granted the application for substituted service after it was established that personal service on the defendant had not been successful.

The court ordered that all relevant court documents may now be served on the defendant through two verified email addresses or by publication in a national newspaper, ensuring that the case can proceed without further delay.

Counsel C.E. Okoro informed the court that attempts to serve the actress personally had been unsuccessful. Justice Anenih held that sufficient grounds had been established and approved the application for alternative service.

The suit was filed in March under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, with an ex parte motion for substituted service submitted on March 31.

The case has now been adjourned for hearing on May 11, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the substantive issues in the matter.

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit