The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday 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 the proceedings, which began around 1:46 p.m., the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the charges were ready and sought permission to have them read to the defendants.
The session was briefly stalled when the third defendant told the court that his lawyer was indisposed, while counsel to the sixth defendant noted that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, prompting the court to stand down the matter to secure an interpreter.
When proceedings resumed at about 2:18 p.m., all six defendants took their pleas and denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to the 13 counts.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case. Most defence counsel did not oppose the request, although counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.
In her ruling, the trial judge granted accelerated hearing of the case and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody, with access to their legal representatives.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Before the adjournment, defence counsel led by Mohammed Ndayako (SAN) urged the court to direct the DSS to grant them adequate access to their clients, noting that such access is essential for preparing their defence, especially as the defendants have remained in detention since their arrest.
The prosecution in the case is being personally handled by the Attorney-General.
