By Ibrahim Musa, Abuja
ABUJA — Journalists were on Monday barred from covering the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the exclusion, with security operatives enforcing the directive by ejecting journalists from the courtroom before proceedings began.
Despite arriving early to secure seats, reporters were instructed to vacate the premises.
Security personnel said their actions were based on explicit instructions from the judge.
Even after being reminded that the case was of significant public interest, the officials maintained that they were acting on orders.
Following the eviction, the courtroom was locked, and the trial commenced behind closed doors.
The defendants were arraigned on April 22 on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose intelligence, and money laundering.
Among those facing trial are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state in an attempt to overthrow the government.
They were also accused of failing to report a planned coup involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and of providing support by not alerting authorities.
The charge further includes offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants have been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the determination of the case.
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