Social media activist VeryDarkMan has been linked to an alleged leak of court evidence in the ongoing trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, the prosecution urged the court to admit statements made by the defendants, insisting they were obtained voluntarily. Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and the prosecution’s fourth witness, identified as “DDD,” denied allegations that the defendants were tortured, harassed, or forced to make confessional statements.
The witness also rejected claims that the defendants were chained during interrogation, arguing that any such restraints would have been evident in video recordings presented in court. He acknowledged, however, that the statements were taken without lawyers or family members present, while maintaining that the defendants acted willingly.
After closing its case in the trial-within-trial, the prosecution alleged that videos tendered as evidence had been leaked to social media and specifically linked the posts to VeryDarkMan, who was present in court.
In response, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the leak and identify anyone who may have violated the court’s witness protection order.
The court adjourned proceedings to June 25, June 30, July 1, and July 2 for the defendants to open their defence, while ruling on pending bail applications was fixed for July 20.
