The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to examine claims that judicial evidence meant for defense counsel was released on social media. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the directive following reports that a figure known as ‘Very Dark Man’ uploaded case videos online. The court emphasized that if these materials violate witness protection orders, the DSS must identify and prosecute those responsible while the trial continues.
Prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, brought the leak to the court’s attention, noting the individual in question was present during the proceedings. Defense lawyers uniformly denied any participation in the unauthorized leak. Justice Abdulmalik chose to proceed with bail application hearings while ordering the investigation, ultimately scheduling further trial-within-trial dates for late June and early July, with a ruling on bail expected on July 20.
During the session, a prosecution witness identified as ‘DDD’ testified to the voluntary nature of the defendants’ statements. The witness refuted allegations of torture, asserting that the accused were not chained and walked into interviews unassisted. The witness further stated that the defendants did not request legal counsel or family representation during their interviews. The prosecution subsequently rested its case in the trial-within-trial phase. The six defendants remain on trial for their alleged roles in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
