The Federal High Court on Monday barred journalists from covering proceedings of those accused of plotting coup against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The six alleged coup plotters were at the court for the hearing of their bail applications. However, shortly before the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, took her seat, journalists were ordered to vacate the courtroom by officials of Department of State Services ( DSS), on the directive of the judge.
The accused were first arraigned on Wednesday by the Nigerian government over 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.
The exclusion of journalists from Monday’s sitting raises fresh concerns about transparency in the handling of high-profile criminal trials, particularly one involving allegations of treason and national security.
Meanwhile, a former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but was not listed as a defendant, as he is still at large.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel as well as civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
Of the number, 36 serving officers were arraigned before a court-martial sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
