According to the statement, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s convenience.
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, told the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.
Lawyers to the second, third and sixth defendants, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru and N.S. Diri, expressed reservations about proceeding, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.
The judge subsequently directed all parties to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial before fixing the adjourned dates.
It was earlier reported that journalists were barred from covering the proceedings as the court prepared to hear the bail applications.
Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services, directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before Justice Abdulmalik took her seat.
A court official, who did not disclose his name, told journalists that the directive emanated from the judge, while a DSS operative said he would offer an explanation later.
The reporters, however, complied and exited the courtroom shortly after the judge was seated.
Correspondents had arrived at the court as early as 8 a.m. but were forced to leave at about 9:07 a.m. following the order.
(PUNCH)