The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations that sensitive video evidence from an ongoing coup plot trial was leaked online and allegedly shared by social media activist VeryDarkMan.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Tuesday after the prosecution raised concerns that footage tendered as evidence in the ongoing case had surfaced on social media platforms.
According to prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the videos were allegedly posted online by VeryDarkMan, who was reportedly present in court during the proceedings.
The prosecution urged the court to investigate how the restricted materials entered the public domain, noting that earlier court orders were meant to protect the identity of witnesses and preserve the integrity of the trial.
However, lawyers representing the six defendants denied any involvement in the alleged leak, insisting that no direct link had been established and urging the prosecution to formally file its application if it intended to pursue the matter further.
Following the submissions, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the DSS to investigate the source of the leak and determine whether any court-protected materials were unlawfully circulated online. She also stated that anyone found culpable should face legal consequences.
The investigation is expected to run alongside the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the court also heard arguments on bail applications, with defence counsel requesting liberal terms while the prosecution opposed the applications.
The case has been adjourned to June 25, June 30, July 1, and July 2 for continuation of the trial-within-trial proceedings, while ruling on bail applications has been scheduled for July 20.
The prosecution has since closed its case in the trial-within-trial after presenting four witnesses.
