Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday barred journalists from covering the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The case, in which the Federal Government was expected to open its prosecution by calling witnesses and presenting evidence, proceeded behind closed doors after journalists were ordered out of the courtroom.
Security operatives attached to the court enforced the directive, stating that they were acting on the judge’s instruction not to allow media coverage of the proceedings.
Reporters who had arrived early to secure seats were asked to vacate the courtroom, after which the doors were locked before the session commenced.
The move came despite the absence of any formal application by the prosecution requesting a secret trial, raising concerns about transparency in a case widely regarded as being of significant public interest.
The six defendants were earlier arraigned on April 22 on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.
Among those standing trial are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside three others.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
A former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was also mentioned in the case but is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the plot was uncovered.
According to the Federal Government, the defendants conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state in a bid to overthrow the president, an offence punishable under Nigerian law.
They were also accused of having prior knowledge of a planned coup involving other individuals but failing to alert authorities or take steps to prevent it.
The court has ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the determination of the case.
The decision to bar journalists has since sparked concerns over openness and accountability in the handling of the high-profile trial.
