Court Adjourns Trial of Bode Itaapa, Others to May 11 Over Video Evidence Issue (Read details)

Abuja, Nigeria – April 2026

Proceedings in the ongoing trial of Olubode Owoeye, popularly known as Bode Itaapa, and two others before the Federal High Court in Abuja have been adjourned to May 11, 2026, following fresh developments during Monday’s sitting.

The case, presided over by Justice Obiora Uguwatu at Court 10, resumed with the commencement of a trial-within-trial to determine the admissibility of confessional statements allegedly made by the defendants.

During the proceedings, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) was called as a witness, and video recordings of the confessional statements of the second and third defendants were played in open court. However, the video recording relating to the first defendant, Bode Itaapa, could not be played due to technical issues, a development that raised concerns among parties in the case.

The prosecution subsequently sought time to make necessary adjustments and produce the missing video evidence, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to May 11, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Justice Uguwatu also directed that all principal security officers connected to the case must be present at the next hearing.

The trial, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/323/2024, was instituted by the Inspector General of Police against the defendants on allegations bordering on terrorism and conspiracy. The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge, including claims of conspiring between 2021 and 2022 to carry out acts of terrorism and allegedly instilling fear among residents while armed.

They are also accused of involvement in the killing of four individuals identified as Sigo, Eleran, Tafa, and Sikiru Omo Alhaja.

At previous sittings, the court denied bail applications filed by defence counsel, ordering that the defendants remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of the trial.

The defence had also challenged the admissibility of the confessional statements, alleging that they were obtained under duress—an issue now central to the ongoing trial-within-trial.

With the adjournment, attention now shifts to May 11, when the court is expected to continue hearing on the admissibility of evidence and proceed with cross-examination of witnesses.