A tense scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as journalists were ordered out of the courtroom during the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services, cleared reporters moments before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik entered to preside over the case.
“The order came from the judge,” one court official said as journalists were directed to leave.
The development comes days after the Federal Government arraigned the defendants on Wednesday over what it described as an alleged failed coup attempt.
Those on trial include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general, and Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain.
Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector, and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa, are also listed among the defendants.
Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, both Islamic clerics based in Zaria, complete the group facing trial in Abuja.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
High-Profile Defendants Face 13-Count Charges
The Federal Government filed a 13-count charge covering treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering.
The charges stem from a wider investigation into an alleged network involving both military personnel and civilians across Nigeria.
Earlier security reports indicated that at least 40 individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
Out of that number, 36 serving officers were taken before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the six civilian defendants remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending further hearings.
She also fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications, granting an accelerated trial schedule due to the seriousness of the charges.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven of the counts filed before the court.
However, he has not been listed as a defendant and is reportedly still at large.
Media Restrictions Raise Transparency Concerns
The exclusion of journalists from the courtroom has drawn attention due to the high public interest in the case.
This is not the first time media access has been restricted during proceedings presided over by Justice Abdulmalik.
Such restrictions often raise concerns about transparency in trials involving national security and high-profile defendants.
However, authorities sometimes limit access in cases involving sensitive security matters or classified evidence.
Legal observers say the balance between national security and open justice remains a delicate issue in Nigeria’s judicial system.
For now, proceedings continue under tight security as the court prepares to hear bail applications and begin substantive hearings.
As the trial progresses behind closed doors, Nigerians are left wondering how much of the truth will be revealed in open court—or kept secret, and how they can trust whatever verdict the court will eventually reach?
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
