The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a decisive step following allegations that sensitive evidence from an ongoing coup plot trial was leaked online. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an investigation into controversial social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
The Leaked Evidence and Court Mandate
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, allegations surfaced that critical video evidence served to the defense counsel had been published on the internet. The trial involves six individuals accused of attempting to orchestrate a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Justice Abdulmalik emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that if the online material compromised the court’s protective orders for witnesses, the DSS must identify and prosecute those responsible. "The DSS should investigate and bring the perpetrator to book," the judge ordered, underscoring the court’s commitment to protecting judicial integrity.
Prosecution Raises Alarm Over VeryDarkMan
The issue was brought to light by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. Midway through the trial, Oyedepo informed the court that he had received intelligence indicating that clips from the trial proceedings had been circulated on social media by VeryDarkMan.
In response, all six defense attorneys strongly denied any involvement in the leak. Some of the defense lawyers argued that the prosecution must file a formal application and supporting affidavit before they could provide a comprehensive response to the allegations.
Trial Progress and Bail Applications
Despite the drama surrounding the leak, the court proceeded with scheduled matters, including bail applications for the accused. While the defense team argued for liberal bail conditions, the prosecution strongly opposed the applications, urging the court to reject them.
The trial has been adjourned to the following dates for further proceedings:
- June 25 & June 30: Defense presentation for the first three defendants in a trial-within-trial.
- July 1 & July 2: Defense presentation for the remaining three defendants.
- July 20: Ruling on the bail applications.
Earlier in the session, a protected witness identified as "DDD" testified that the defendants’ statements were made voluntarily. He noted that if the suspects had been chained during their interrogation, the clinking sound would have been audible in the video played before the court.
With the DSS now officially tasked with investigating the leak, public attention remains fixed on both the high-profile coup trial and the potential legal ramifications for VeryDarkMan.