The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday barred journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, raising fresh concerns about transparency in the handling of high-profile criminal trials.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, commenced proceedings.
An unnamed court official told journalists the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative said further clarification would be provided later.
The journalists complied with the order and exited the courtroom without resistance.
Correspondents from multiple media organisations had arrived as early as 8:00 a.m. but were asked to leave at approximately 9:07 a.m., just minutes before the sitting began.
The development comes amid heightened public interest in the case involving six defendants who were arraigned last Wednesday by the federal government over an alleged failed coup.
Those standing trial include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician attached to the Presidential Villa.
Others are Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric based in Zaria.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications.
She also directed that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
In a related development, a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but has not been listed as a defendant, as he is reportedly still at large.
Earlier reports indicated that no fewer than 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
Of that number, 36 serving officers have been arraigned before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Monday’s restriction is not an isolated incident. Court officials in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom have, on several occasions, ordered journalists and observers to leave during proceedings, often citing limited space as justification.
In some instances, even accredited reporters were denied access despite proper identification.
Although the Federal High Court in Abuja operates 13 courtrooms handling both criminal and civil matters, correspondents note that access to proceedings varies significantly, with some sessions subject to tighter restrictions than others.
The exclusion of journalists from Monday’s proceedings has intensified concerns about openness and accountability, particularly in a case involving grave allegations, including treason and threats to national security.
