Nigerian Court Orders Probe into Leaked Coup Suspect Video

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an investigation into an alleged leaked video containing the statement of a coup suspect. The prosecution claims the video surfaced on social media, potentially compromising the trial of five individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration last year.

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We tendered the video recording and served it on the defence. I know I served my colleagues.

Prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), informed the court that he watched the video on the social media page of influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. Oyedepo described the leak as a "national security issue" and "extremely prejudicial and disturbing," noting the post had garnered over 6,000 views. He urged the court to investigate the video's origin and confirm if it matches the one submitted as evidence, emphasizing the need to protect witnesses under the law.

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What I saw yesterday is quite disturbing. I urge your lordship to investigate this video and confirm whether it is the same video before the court and whether it contravenes your lordship’s order.

Defense lawyers for the defendants unanimously denied any knowledge of how the video was leaked. Muhammed Ndayako, SAN, representing the first defendant, stated, "I am not even a social media person. I am not opposed to an investigation." Some defense counsel, including C.D. Okafor for the fourth defendant, suggested that members of the media covering the proceedings might be involved. However, M.A. Ibrahim, representing the fifth defendant, expressed skepticism about the investigation's effectiveness, while Sanusi Musa, SAN, for the sixth defendant, outrightly objected, arguing that the DPP's claims lacked evidence and that the leak could have originated from various sources, including the court itself or the Ministry of Justice.

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Our worry is that this is coming at the stage when we are trying to move our bail application. I am not even a social media person. I am not opposed to an investigation.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik acknowledged the court's authority to ensure witness protection. While the judge did not explicitly confirm VeryDarkMan's presence in court, she affirmed the court's power to direct investigations related to protecting witnesses, referencing Section 232(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

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Whatever the DPP said here cannot be acted upon without evidence. If he wants that, he should file an application. The EFCC also has a media department.