Court Orders DSS To Investigate VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Leakage Of Coup Trial Videos

 The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations that sensitive videos tendered as evidence in an ongoing coup plot trial were leaked and later appeared on social media through popular activist and social media personality, VeryDarkMan.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the directive on Tuesday after the prosecution informed the court that some of the video evidence submitted in the trial had allegedly surfaced online.

According to prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), information available to the prosecution suggested that the videos were posted by VeryDarkMan, who was reportedly present in court during the proceedings. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Oyedepo urged the court to investigate how the materials found their way into the public domain, especially considering the court’s earlier orders aimed at protecting witnesses involved in the case.

In response, lawyers representing the six defendants denied any involvement in the alleged leak and urged the prosecution to file a formal application if it intended to pursue the allegations further.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently directed the DSS to investigate the matter and determine whether any court-protected materials were unlawfully circulated online. She further stated that anyone found responsible should be brought to justice.

The investigation will run alongside the ongoing trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the court also heard arguments on the defendants’ bail applications. While defence lawyers asked for bail on liberal terms, the prosecution opposed the request.

The court adjourned the case to June 25, June 30, July 1 and July 2 for continuation of proceedings in the trial-within-trial, while ruling on the bail applications has been fixed for July 20.

The prosecution has now closed its case in the trial-within-trial after presenting four witnesses.

The six defendants remain on trial over allegations of involvement in a plot to topple the Tinubu-led administration.