Terrorism Trial of Bode Itaapa, Two Others Adjourned to June 11 for Defence in Trial-Within-Trial

Abuja, Nigeria – May 2026

Proceedings in the ongoing terrorism trial involving Olubode Owoeye, popularly known as Bode Itaapa, and two others before the Federal High Court in Abuja have been adjourned to June 11, 2026, following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case in the trial-within-trial.

The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/323/2024 and titled FGN v. Olu Bode (Itaapa) & 2 Others, came up on May 11, 2026, before Justice Obiora Uguwatu of Court 10 for continuation of hearing in the trial-within-trial instituted to determine the admissibility of confessional statements allegedly made by the defendants.

At the resumed sitting, prosecution witnesses gave evidence and were subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel.

Following the testimonies and cross-examinations, the prosecution formally closed its case in the trial-within-trial.

Justice Uguwatu thereafter adjourned the matter to June 11, 2026, for the defence to open its case in the trial-within-trial proceedings.

The trial-within-trial became necessary after defence counsel challenged the admissibility of the defendants’ confessional statements, alleging that the statements were obtained under duress.

During an earlier sitting, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) testified while 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 initially be played due to technical issues.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Inspector General of Police on allegations bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, and related offences.

According to the seven-count charge filed before the court, the defendants allegedly conspired between 2021 and 2022 to carry out acts of terrorism, allegedly armed themselves unlawfully, and instilled fear among residents in affected communities.

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

The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court had also previously denied their bail applications, ordering that they remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the determination of the case.

With the prosecution now closing its case in the trial-within-trial, attention shifts to the next adjourned date when the defence is expected to present its arguments and witnesses regarding the admissibility of the disputed confessional statements.