Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Monday, approved a fast-track trial procedure and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of proceedings and consideration of bail applications.

The court, however, ruled that the trial would begin before any bail applications are heard.

The defendants include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired Major-General; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired Navy Captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; as well as Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a cleric based in Zaria.

They are facing a 13-count charge involving treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, all of which they denied.

Prosecutors alleged that the accused conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the prosecution was fully prepared with witnesses ready to testify.

However, defence lawyers, including Mohammed Ilayepo, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, raised objections, citing the complexity of the case and short notice.

Despite their concerns, the court insisted that all parties align their schedules to ensure a speedy trial process.

The proceedings were held under tight security, with journalists barred from covering the session after court officials, backed by Department of State Services operatives, ordered them out before the judge entered the courtroom.

Meanwhile, a separate court martial involving 36 serving military officers linked to the alleged plot is scheduled to resume on May 8 in Abuja.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the officers are being tried under military law in a parallel proceeding.

The simultaneous civilian and military trials highlight the breadth of the alleged conspiracy, which authorities say involved both civilians and serving security personnel.

A former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who was mentioned in some of the charges but not listed as a defendant, is reportedly at large.

The six civilian suspects had earlier been remanded in DSS custody as investigations into the alleged plot continue.

News reports that the policy was outlined in a new circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The directive was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack.

The measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline, efficiency, and productivity within the public service.

Under the new arrangement, success in the confirmation or promotion examination will no longer be limited to career advancement alone but will also determine continued employment. Any officer who fails the exam three times in a row will be asked to exit the service.

The directive further states that workers who fail to sit for the confirmation examination within three years of appointment will also be removed from service.

According to the government, the policy is backed by existing Public Service Rules and applies across all ministries, departments, and agencies, which have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.

The 2026 Confirmation and Promotion Examination (COMPRO) will be conducted as a computer-based test and will cover officers on salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.

Authorities explained that the exam is designed to assess the competence, knowledge, and readiness of employees before confirmation or promotion.

Registration for the examination has commenced online, with eligible candidates expected to apply through their respective MDAs. Only officers who have served for at least six months and are duly nominated will be allowed to participate.

Applicants are required to provide accurate personal details and complete all registration procedures, as failure to meet accreditation requirements will result in disqualification.

The examination will cover subjects including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy.

The COMPRO test has long been part of Nigeria’s civil service framework, although enforcement of its provisions has historically been inconsistent.

News reports that Shuaib announced the decision in Lafia after a series of consultations with his supporters and political stakeholders across the state.

He said his withdrawal followed extensive deliberations and was guided by his earlier commitment to align with the choice of Governor Abdullahi Sule. According to him, stepping down was a difficult decision, but he chose to honour his word by backing the governor’s preferred candidate.

Shuaib explained that aspirants from the western senatorial zone had initially agreed to either unite behind a single candidate or accept the governor’s decision if consensus could not be reached. He noted that since they were unable to agree, they resolved to follow the governor’s direction.

While acknowledging that the outcome was not ideal for all parties involved, he said he prioritised keeping his promise over personal ambition.

He also expressed appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifices of his supporters, describing the period leading to his withdrawal as one of the most challenging moments in his political career.

Shuaib appealed to his supporters to remain united and throw their weight behind the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election.

He further pledged his support for Senator Wadada and called for cohesion within the party as preparations for the election intensify.

He added that his exit from the race does not signal a withdrawal from public service, stressing his continued commitment to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.