A Federal High Court judge in Abuja ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, to investigate how sensitive video evidence from an ongoing coup plot trial allegedly found its way onto social media — with popular activist and online personality VeryDarkMan named in open court as the alleged source of the leak.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the directive after prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) told the court that videos submitted as evidence in the trial had allegedly appeared online.
Oyedepo alleged that VeryDarkMan, who was reportedly present in court during proceedings, posted the materials publicly.
The development is significant. The court had earlier issued protective orders covering witnesses in the case — and the alleged leak, if proven, would represent a direct breach of those judicial protections.
Defence lawyers for the six defendants flatly denied any involvement in the leak. They told the court that if the prosecution wished to pursue the allegation formally, it should file the appropriate application to do so.
DSS Given Mandate — Bail Ruling Set for July 20
Justice Abdulmalik directed the DSS to conduct a full investigation into the alleged circulation of court-protected materials and to ensure that anyone found responsible faces justice.
The order runs in parallel with the substantive proceedings. The six defendants remain on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The court also heard arguments on Tuesday on the defendants’ bail applications. Defence counsel asked for bail on liberal terms, while the prosecution opposed the request entirely.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed her ruling on the bail applications for July 20, 2026.
Meanwhile, the prosecution formally closed its case in the ongoing trial-within-trial — a preliminary hearing to determine the admissibility of certain evidence — after presenting four witnesses. T
he court adjourned substantive proceedings to June 25, June 30, July 1, and July 2 for continuation.
The six accused remain in custody as the case continues. VeryDarkMan had not issued any public statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
Follow JolibaLive News for live updates on the Abuja coup plot trial and all related legal developments.
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