Treason: Language barrier puts arraignment of alleged coup plotters charges on hold
Nigeria Postpones Arraignment of Six Accused of Plotting to Overthrow Government
The Federal Government of Nigeria has postponed the arraignment of six individuals accused of conspiring to forcibly overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The arraignment was halted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who cited the inability of one of the defendants, Sheik Abdukadir Sani Zaria, to understand English. During proceedings on Wednesday, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sunusi Musa informed the court that his client is fluent only in Hausa and Arabic.
Leading the prosecution is Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Attorney General of the Federation. In light of the language barrier, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that an interpreter be provided to ensure the defendant’s understanding of the proceedings.
Following this decision, the judge adjourned the arraignment.
