Journalists were on Monday ejected from the courtroom of the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of proceedings on the bail applications of six defendants accused of plotting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The directive was reportedly enforced by a court official and an operative of the State Security Service (SSS), who instructed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, took her seat.
While the court official, who did not disclose his identity, claimed the order emanated from the judge, the SSS operative told journalists that an explanation would be provided later. The reporters complied and exited the courtroom immediately after the judge’s arrival.
Journalists had arrived at the court premises as early as 8:00 a.m. but were forced to leave around 9:07 a.m., raising concerns about transparency in the high-profile case.
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The Federal Government had, on April 22, arraigned six individuals, including a retired major-general, on charges bordering on an alleged failed coup against the President. The defendants are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; as well as Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a cleric based in Zaria.
They are facing a 13-count charge, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court last week.
Following their plea, Justice Abdulmalik granted accelerated hearing of the case and fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications. She also ordered that the defendants be remanded in SSS custody pending the determination of their applications.
Meanwhile, a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was named as a conspirator in seven of the charges but has not been formally arraigned. Prosecutors said he is currently at large.
Sylva, however, had earlier denied the allegation, stating that he was outside the country and would return to clear his name.
It would be recalled that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians, were earlier arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
(Premium Times)