Court bars journalists from covering trial of alleged coup plotters

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, asked journalists covering the trial of six alleged coup plotters accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration to vacate the court room. Although the reasons for barring journalists from covering the proceedings were not disclosed, a court official, who did not identify himself, told […]

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, asked journalists covering the trial of six alleged coup plotters accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration to vacate the court room.

Although the reasons for barring journalists from covering the proceedings were not disclosed, a court official, who did not identify himself, told reporters that the directive came from the judge.

Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before Justice Abdulmalik took her seat.

An operative of the DSS said he would offer an explanation later but had not done so at the time reporters complied with the directive and exited the courtroom shortly after the judge was seated.

• Thugs attack Kano GSM market, cart away valuables
• ADC Dispute: You must choose between democracy and reversal, group tells supreme court justices

Daily Trust reports that journalists covering the case arrived at Court 6 as early as 8am but were asked to leave at about 9:10, following the order of Justice Abdulmalik.

The six defendants were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup.

A former governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in the alleged plot but he has not been listed as a defendant. Prosecutors said he is currently at large.

Those standing trial are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa.

Others include Bukar Kashim 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, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

In count one of the charges, the defendants are alleged to have conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Following their arraignment, the court had earlier fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications and ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the DSS.

Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.

Of the number, 36 serving officers were arraigned before a court-martial at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, last Friday.