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 President Bola Tinubu.
Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, took her seat.
A court official, who declined to be named, told journalists that the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative said an explanation would be provided later.
The journalists complied and exited the courtroom shortly after.
Correspondents from various media organisations had arrived at the court as early as 8:00 a.m. but were forced to leave at about 9:07 a.m. following the order.
The development comes amid heightened public interest in the trial of six defendants who were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup plot.
Those standing trial are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired Major General; Erasmus Victor, a retired Navy Captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa.
Others are Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.
They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications. She also ordered that the defendants be remanded 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 still at large.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot. Of these, 36 serving officers were arraigned before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
The restriction on Monday is not the first time journalists have been denied access to proceedings in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom, as court officials have on several occasions asked reporters and observers to leave sittings, often citing limited space.
The exclusion of journalists has raised fresh concerns about transparency in the handling of high-profile criminal trials involving allegations of treason and national security.
