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 President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Court officials, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services, asked reporters to leave the courtroom shortly before proceedings began before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
An unidentified court official said the directive originated from the judge, while a DSS operative told journalists that an explanation would be provided later. However, no immediate clarification was given.
Reporters who had arrived as early as 8:00 a.m. to cover the proceedings were asked to leave by 9:07 a.m., just before the bail hearing commenced.
The case involves six defendants who were arraigned by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup attempt. They include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Zaria based Islamic cleric Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The defendants face a 13 count charge covering alleged treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty during their arraignment.
Following their plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter and scheduled the bail ruling for April 27. She also directed that the accused remain in DSS custody pending the outcome of the application.
In a related development, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in several of the charges but is not listed as a defendant, with sources alleging he is currently at large.
Earlier reports indicate that about 40 suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians. While 36 serving officers have already been arraigned before a court martial in Abuja, others remain under investigation.
The restriction of journalists from Monday’s hearing is not the first in the courtroom, as similar exclusions have occurred in previous sittings, often attributed to space or administrative concerns.
