Court bars journalists from covering proceedings as alleged coup plot trial opens in Abuja

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday barred journalists from covering the trial of six individuals accused of plotting a coup, as proceedings commenced in the high-profile case brought by the Federal Government.

Journalists who arrived early and took seats in the courtroom were later asked to vacate the premises on the directive of the presiding judge.

Court officials and security personnel informed the reporters that media presence would not be permitted during the proceedings, insisting they were acting on the judge’s instructions.

The development meant that the opening of the trial proceeded without press coverage, despite objections from journalists who argued that the matter was of significant public interest and that no formal order excluding the media had been issued.

The trial is being prosecuted by Lateef Fagbem, Attorney General of the Federation, who arrived at the court complex later in the morning and proceeded to the courtroom where the case was being heard.

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Monday’s proceedings follow an earlier ruling by Justice Abdulmalik ordering the remand of the defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services and directing an accelerated hearing of the case.

The court had also instructed that defence lawyers and family members be granted reasonable access to the accused persons.

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against the defendants, bordering on alleged treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

Those standing trial include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

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Although former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is not listed as a defendant, he was named in the charge as being at large.

The case underscores heightened security concerns and ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute alleged threats to national stability. Proceedings were ongoing at the time of filing this report.