Journalists were on Monday denied access to cover the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, sparking concerns about transparency in the judicial process.
Despite the case not being officially declared a secret trial, judiciary correspondents were left in the dark regarding proceedings, particularly as the court is yet to rule on the defendants’ bail application.
The suspects were earlier brought into the courtroom under tight security. The Federal Government had arraigned them last Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Leading the prosecution, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, presented the case against the defendants. All the accused persons were present in court except a former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large.
Those standing trial include retired Major General Ibrahim Gana, who appeared in a wheelchair; retired naval captain Erasmus Victor; Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Goni; and Abdulkadir Sani. They all pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge brought against them.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and urged the court to fast-track the trial. Justice Abdulmalik granted the request, ordering an accelerated hearing and remanding the defendants in DSS custody.
The case was adjourned to April 27 for the commencement of trial proceedings.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), include allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state with the aim of removing the President, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
They are also accused of having prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failing to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Journalists Barred from Covering Alleged Coup Plot Trial in Abuja, Raising Transparency Concerns
