Journalists shut out of suspected coup plotters’ court proceedings

The Federal High Court in Abuja 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, ordered reporters to leave 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 an SSS operative said he would offer an explanation later.

The journalists complied and exited the courtroom shortly after.

Correspondents from different media organisations had arrived at the court as early as 8:00 a.m. but were asked to leave at about 9:07 a.m. following the order.

The development comes amid strong public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government 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.

After their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted 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.

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but was not listed as a defendant, as he is said to be at large.

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

Out 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 asked journalists and other observers to leave during sittings, often citing limited space as the reason.

In some cases, even accredited reporters who identified themselves were still directed to vacate the courtroom.

The exclusion of journalists from Monday’s sitting has raised fresh concerns over transparency in the handling of high-profile criminal trials, especially one involving allegations of treason and national security.