Judge bars journalists from trial of ‘coup plotters

A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred journalists from covering the trial of six suspects accused of plotting a coup against the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, issued the directive shortly before proceedings began. Journalists had arrived early and taken seats at the back of the courtroom, but were later ordered to vacate despite already being seated. Court officials said the instruction came directly from the judge, insisting that journalists would not be allowed inside.

The reporters protested the decision, arguing that the case was of public interest and that there was no formal order excluding the media. However, the officials maintained their position, and the courtroom doors were subsequently locked after the journalists exited.

Later, Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, arrived at the court and proceeded to Court 6, where the trial was scheduled to take place.

The federal government is prosecuting six defendants over an alleged plot to overthrow the government. The suspects include Gana; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a serving police inspector; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani. They were arraigned on a 13-count charge and remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services, with April 27 fixed for the commencement of an accelerated hearing.

Although Timipre Sylva was mentioned in the charge, he is reportedly at large.

The development follows a similar incident in January when Abdulmalik ordered a reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria out of the courtroom during proceedings involving factions of the Peoples Democratic Party.