The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, barred journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the Tinubu administration.
Reporters who had gathered at the court premises early in the day were asked to vacate the courtroom shortly before the session commenced.
The directive was reportedly linked to the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, and was enforced by court officials alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The six defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information.
They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges upon arraignment.
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Those standing trial include retired military personnel, a serving police inspector, and several civilians.
Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was also mentioned in the charges, although he is not currently in custody.
The court had previously ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and scheduled Monday for the consideration of bail applications, while directing that the defendants remain in the custody of the DSS pending further proceedings.
Monday’s restriction is not an isolated development, as similar limitations on media access have reportedly occurred in past proceedings presided over by Justice Abdulmalik.
The decision to exclude journalists has sparked concerns among observers about transparency and open justice, particularly given the gravity of the allegations, which touch on national security and governance.
