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 government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sparking fresh concerns over transparency in high-profile trials.
Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, commenced proceedings.
An unnamed court official told journalists that the directive emanated from the judge, while a DSS operative said further clarification would be provided later. Journalists, who had arrived as early as 8:00 a.m., complied with the order and exited the courtroom around 9:07 a.m.
The development comes amid heightened public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last week by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup plot.
Those standing trial include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; Bukar Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. They all pleaded not guilty.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing, fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications, and remanded the defendants in DSS custody.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but was not listed as a defendant, as he is reportedly at large.
Security agencies had earlier arrested at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, in connection with the alleged plot. Of these, 36 serving officers are being tried before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Monday’s restriction is not the first time journalists have been denied access to proceedings in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom. Court officials have on several occasions cited limited space in excluding reporters and observers, even when they are accredited.
The latest development has raised fresh concerns about openness in the handling of sensitive criminal cases, particularly those involving allegations of treason and national security.
Separately, the court-martial of the military officers is expected to resume on May 8, with proceedings to continue behind closed doors and without media access, according to the Defence Headquarters.
Nigeria, which returned to civilian rule in 1999 after decades of military interventions, has continued to face scrutiny over the handling of cases linked to alleged threats against its democratic order.