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The Digest:

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following their arraignment on a 13-count charge relating to alleged terrorism. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the charge was ready. All six defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution requested an accelerated hearing, which the judge granted. The case has been adjourned to April 27, 2026, for trial commencement.

Key Points:
  • The court stood down proceedings to arrange an interpreter for a defendant who only understood Arabic and Hausa.
  • The prosecution's remand request was largely unopposed by defence counsel.
  • The first defendant's lawyer signalled plans to file a bail application.
  • The judge granted defendants access to their legal representatives while in DSS custody.
  • The trial is set to begin on April 27, 2026.

The six defendants will remain in DSS custody as the trial begins next week.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Daily Trust