Social media activist, VeryDarkMan, has been drawn into the ongoing trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered an investigation into the alleged leak of sensitive court evidence.
The development came on Monday during proceedings in the high-profile case, where the prosecution sought to admit statements made by the defendants to investigators as part of its evidence.
The Federal Government, through prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the statements were made voluntarily and without intimidation.
The prosecution’s fourth witness, identified only as “DDD”, told the court that none of the defendants were tortured or harassed during questioning.
He dismissed claims by the accused persons that they were forced into making confessional statements.
Responding to allegations that their legs were chained during interrogation, the witness said, “It is not true. The feet of the defendants were not chained. They walked into the interview room by themselves.”
He added that if the claims were true, the sound of chains would have been captured in the video recordings already played before the court.
The witness also addressed concerns over the absence of legal representatives during interview sessions.
According to him, none of the defendants requested the presence of lawyers, family members, officials of the Legal Aid Council, or a Justice of the Peace.
He urged the court to accept both the written statements and the audiovisual recordings as evidence in the main trial.
Under cross-examination by defence lawyers, the witness admitted that the statements were taken without the presence of lawyers or family members.
Despite that, he maintained that the defendants acted willingly and were not compelled.
Following the conclusion of the witness’ testimony, Oyedepo announced the closure of the prosecution’s case in the trial-within-trial after presenting four witnesses.
Allegation of leaked court evidence
The courtroom took another turn when the prosecution raised concerns that some of the evidence tendered before the court had found its way onto social media.
Oyedepo told the court that videos from the proceedings had allegedly been posted online by VeryDarkMan.
He added that the social media commentator was present in court and urged the judge to direct security agencies to uncover how the materials were leaked.
Reacting, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately investigate the matter.
The judge said if any of the leaked materials on social media violated the court’s witness protection order, those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.
Justice Abdulmalik noted that the investigation would continue alongside the trial.
All six defence lawyers denied any involvement in leaking the materials.
Some of them challenged the prosecution to file a formal application backed by an affidavit if it intended to pursue the allegation.
Bail applications and adjournment
The court also entertained bail applications filed by the defendants.
While defence lawyers pleaded for lenient bail terms, the prosecution opposed the requests and urged the court to reject them.
Justice Abdulmalik later adjourned the case to June 25 and June 30 for the first three defendants to open their defence in the trial-within-trial.
The remaining three defendants are expected to continue on July 1 and 2.
The court fixed July 20 for ruling on the bail applications.