Journalists were on Monday, April 27, 2026, prevented from covering the bail hearing of six individuals accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), instructed reporters to leave the courtroom shortly before the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, commenced proceedings.
An unidentified court official said the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative also told journalists that an explanation would be provided later, though none was immediately given.
Reporters, who had arrived at about 8:00 a.m. to cover the proceedings, were compelled to exit the courtroom by 9:07 a.m.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention, involves six defendants arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup attempt.
The accused include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; as well as Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.
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They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and fixed April 27 for the determination of their bail applications. She also directed that they remain in DSS custody pending the hearing.
In a related development, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven of the charges but is not listed as a defendant. Sources claim he is currently at large.
Earlier reports indicate that about 40 suspects, including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot. While 36 serving officers have been arraigned before a court-martial in Abuja, others remain under investigation.
Monday’s restriction of journalists is not the first of such incidents in Justice Abdulmalik’s courtroom, as reporters and observers have on previous occasions been asked to leave sittings, often due to space limitations.
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