The Federal Government of Nigeria has stood down the arraignment of six persons accused of plotting to forcefully topple the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik put the arraignment on hold following the inability of one of the six defendants, Sheik Abdukadir Sani Zaria, to understand the English language.
When the case was called on Wednesday, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Sunusi Musa, announced that his client understands and speaks only Hausa and Arabic.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, is leading the prosecution.
In the proceedings that followed, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that an interpreter be provided for the defendant in the interest of justice.
The judge subsequently stood down the arraignment.
Treason: Language barrier puts arraignment of alleged coup plotters charges on hold
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