DSS Ordered to Investigate VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Leak of Sensitive Coup Trial Videos

DSS Ordered to Investigate VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Leak of Sensitive Coup Trial Videos

Federal High Court Directs DSS to Probe How Protected Evidence Appeared on Social Media

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations that sensitive video evidence presented in an ongoing coup plot trial was leaked and later circulated on social media by popular activist and influencer, VeryDarkMan.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the directive on Tuesday after prosecutors informed the court that some of the videos tendered as evidence during proceedings had allegedly surfaced online despite existing court restrictions.

Prosecution Links Alleged Leak to VeryDarkMan

Lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that information available to the prosecution indicated that the videos were uploaded online by VeryDarkMan, who was reportedly present in court during the trial.

According to Oyedepo, the alleged leak raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial process, especially because the court had previously put measures in place to protect witnesses and sensitive evidence connected to the case.

The prosecution urged the court to determine how the confidential materials found their way into the public domain and whether any individual deliberately violated court orders.

Defence Lawyers Deny Involvement

Lawyers representing the six defendants strongly denied any connection to the alleged leak.

The defence team argued that neither the accused persons nor their legal representatives were responsible for the circulation of the videos and advised the prosecution to file a formal application if it intended to pursue the matter further.

Court Orders DSS Investigation

Following arguments from both parties, Justice Abdulmalik directed the DSS to launch a full investigation into the alleged leak.

The judge ordered security operatives to determine whether court-protected materials were unlawfully shared on social media and identify anyone involved in the distribution of the videos.

She further stated that any person found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Coup Plot Trial Continues

The investigation comes amid the ongoing trial of six men accused of participating in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The high-profile case has attracted significant public attention due to its national security implications and allegations of plans to destabilize the government.

Court Hears Bail Applications

The court also entertained arguments regarding the defendants' bail applications.

While defence lawyers urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, prosecutors opposed the request, insisting that the nature of the allegations warranted continued detention.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to June 25, June 30, July 1, and July 2 for the continuation of proceedings in the trial-within-trial.

The court fixed July 20 for its ruling on the bail applications.

Prosecution Closes Case

Meanwhile, the prosecution has officially closed its case in the trial-within-trial after presenting four witnesses before the court.

The six defendants remain on trial as proceedings continue over allegations that they were involved in a conspiracy to topple the Tinubu-led government.

Why the Case Matters

The court-ordered DSS investigation has added a fresh layer of controversy to an already sensitive national security trial. The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for courtroom confidentiality, the handling of protected evidence, and the growing influence of social media personalities in reporting high-profile legal proceedings.

As the trial progresses, attention is expected to remain focused on both the alleged coup plot and the DSS investigation into the circulation of the disputed videos online.

Keywords: VeryDarkMan, DSS investigation, coup plot trial, Federal High Court Abuja, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Tinubu government, leaked court videos, DSS probe, Nigeria court news, VeryDarkMan latest news, coup allegations in Nigeria.