Tinubu Coup Trial Takes New Twist as Court Orders Probe of VeryDarkMan
A fresh development emerged in the ongoing trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered an investigation into social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations that materials linked to the case were leaked online.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations that video materials connected to the case were leaked and circulated online.
The issue was raised during Tuesday’s proceedings when prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the court that evidence tendered in the trial had allegedly surfaced on social media.
According to Oyedepo, the videos were reportedly published by VeryDarkMan, who was present in court during the hearing. He urged the court to determine how the materials found their way into the public domain.
In response, Justice Abdulmalik ordered security operatives to investigate the allegation and identify anyone responsible for breaching the court’s directives, particularly those relating to witness protection.
The judge stressed that any individual found to have violated the court’s orders should be brought to justice.
Lawyers representing the six defendants denied having any connection to the alleged leak.
Some of them argued that the prosecution should file a formal application supported by an affidavit before seeking responses from the defence team.
The court subsequently entertained bail applications filed by the defendants.
While defence counsel urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, the prosecution opposed the applications and asked that they be dismissed.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned proceedings to allow the defendants continue their defence in the trial-within-trial. The first three defendants are expected to continue their defence on June 25 and June 30, while the remaining defendants will appear on July 1 and July 2.
The court fixed July 20 for its ruling on the bail applications.
Earlier in the proceedings, a prosecution witness identified only as “DDD” denied allegations that the defendants were tortured while in custody.
The witness maintained that the accused persons voluntarily made their statements and were not subjected to physical abuse.
He also rejected claims that the defendants were restrained with chains during interrogation, insisting that such details would have been evident in video recordings already presented before the court.
The trial continues as the DSS begins investigations into the alleged circulation of materials linked to the high-profile coup plot case.
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