The Federal High Court on Monday barred journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the government of Bola Tinubu.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services, ordered reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before proceedings commenced under Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Although no formal reason was publicly provided, a court official indicated that the directive came from the presiding judge. Journalists present complied and exited the courtroom.
The case involves six defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, who are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering.
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All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and fixed April 27 for the consideration of their bail applications, ordering that they remain in DSS custody pending proceedings.
The trial has drawn significant public interest, particularly as former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in several counts but is not listed as a defendant and is reportedly at large.
The restriction of media access has raised concerns about transparency in the handling of high-profile cases, especially those involving allegations of treason and national security.
Observers note that this is not the first time journalists have been denied access to proceedings in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom, with similar restrictions previously attributed to space limitations.