The Federal High Court on Monday barred journalists from covering the trial 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, directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, took her seat.
A court official, who did not disclose his name, told journalists that the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative said he would offer an explanation later. The journalists, however, complied and exited the courtroom shortly after.
Correspondents from various media houses 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 the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the FG over an alleged failed coup.
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.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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 the custody of the DSS.
Meanwhile, a former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but was not listed as a defendant, as he is still at large.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
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Of the number, 36 serving officers were arraigned 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, ordered journalists and other observers to leave during sittings, often citing limited space as justification.
In some instances, even accredited reporters who identified themselves were still asked to vacate the courtroom.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has 13 courtrooms handling both criminal and civil matters, but correspondents say access to proceedings varies significantly, with some sessions more restricted than others.
The exclusion of journalists from Monday’s sitting raises fresh concerns about transparency in the handling of high-profile criminal trials, particularly one involving allegation of treason and national security.
PUNCH NEWS
