The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday restricted media access to the bail proceedings of six individuals accused of plotting a coup against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), ordered journalists to leave the courtroom shortly before the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, arrived.
Explaining the directive, a court official who declined to give his name told reporters that the instruction came from the judge, while a DSS operative said he would provide clarification later.
Journalists present complied with the order and exited the courtroom. Many had arrived as early as 8:00 a.m. but were asked to leave around 9:07 a.m.
The development has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the case involving six defendants arraigned last week by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup attempt.
Those facing 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 working at the Presidential Villa. Others are Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric based in Zaria.
They are being prosecuted on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
After their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing 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.
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Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the counts but has not been listed as a defendant, as he is reportedly still at large.
Earlier reports indicated that about 40 suspects, including both serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot. Out of this number, 36 serving officers are currently facing a court-martial at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
This is not the first time journalists have been denied access to proceedings in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom. On several occasions, court officials have asked reporters and observers to leave, often citing space constraints.
In some cases, even accredited journalists who identified themselves were still denied access.
The Federal High Court in Abuja operates 13 courtrooms handling both civil and criminal matters, but access to proceedings has reportedly been inconsistent, with some sessions more restricted than others.
Monday’s exclusion of the media has raised fresh concerns over transparency in the handling of sensitive cases, particularly those involving allegations of treason and national security.