The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following their arraignment on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.

At the commencement of proceedings 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 for them to be read to the defendants.

The hearing was briefly interrupted after the third defendant indicated that his counsel was indisposed. Additionally, counsel to the sixth defendant informed the court that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, prompting the judge to stand down the matter to allow for the provision of an interpreter.

When proceedings resumed at approximately 2:18 p.m., all six defendants entered their pleas, denying the allegations and pleading not guilty to all 13 counts.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody and requested an accelerated hearing of the case. While most defence counsel did not oppose the application, counsel to the first defendant signalled an intention to file a bail application.

In his ruling, the trial judge granted the request for an expedited hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody with access to their legal representatives. The case was adjourned until April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

More to follow…