By Zainab Bakare
The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded 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), told the court the charges were ready and sought leave for them to be read to the accused persons.
The arraignment, however, experienced a brief delay after the third defendant informed the court that his counsel was indisposed. Proceedings were further slowed when counsel to the sixth defendant disclosed that his client only understands Arabic and Hausa, prompting the court to stand down the matter to provide an interpreter.
Upon reconvening, all six defendants took their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to the 13-count charge.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody and requested an accelerated hearing of the case.
While most defence counsel did not oppose the request for a speedy trial, counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
In a brief ruling, the trial judge granted an accelerated hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody, with access to their legal representatives.
The matter has been adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
