Proceedings in the trial of six individuals accused of plotting a coup took a controversial turn on Monday after journalists were denied access to the courtroom at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The directive was issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who is presiding over the case.
Journalists had arrived early and taken seats inside Court 6 ahead of the scheduled sitting.
However, shortly before proceedings began, court officials instructed reporters to leave the courtroom, citing orders from the judge.
Despite objections from the journalists—who argued that the trial was of public interest—security personnel enforced the directive and cleared the media from the venue.
After the journalists were removed, the courtroom doors were reportedly locked as the trial commenced.
Observers noted the heightened security around the courtroom, reflecting the sensitive nature of the case.
The Lateef Fagbemi later arrived at the court premises and proceeded to the courtroom where the trial was ongoing.
Fagbemi is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government.
The defendants are facing multiple charges, including alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, and financial crimes linked to terrorism financing.
The suspects include: Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, Abdulkadir Sani
They were arraigned under a 13-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
Earlier in April, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court also directed that the trial be fast-tracked and granted the defendants’ lawyers and family members access to them within a reasonable timeframe.
This is not the first time media access has been restricted in the judge’s courtroom.
In a previous case involving internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a journalist was asked to leave for not having a seat.
The exclusion of journalists has raised concerns among observers about transparency in high-profile trials.
Legal experts often emphasize that open court proceedings are essential for public confidence in the justice system.
