Court bars journalists from covering trial of Tinubu coup plotters
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Monday barred journalists from covering the trial of six suspected coup plotters facing prosecution by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The directive, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, saw reporters ordered out of the courtroom ahead of proceedings, effectively restricting media access to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched treason cases.
According to NAN, journalists had arrived early at the court premises and taken seats in anticipation of the hearing. However, shortly before proceedings commenced, court officials, backed by security operatives directed all reporters to vacate the courtroom on the instruction of the presiding judge.
Witnesses said the directive was enforced despite objections from journalists, who argued that the trial was of significant public interest and that there was no formal order declaring the proceedings closed. After their exit, the courtroom doors were reportedly shut, preventing further access.
The restriction applied particularly to the bail proceedings of the accused persons, which were scheduled to be heard on April 27 following their earlier arraignment.
Background to the Tinubu coup allegations
The six defendants are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and related offences. They were arraigned by the federal government last week and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Authorities allege that the suspects conspired to overthrow the Tinubu administration, in what has been described as one of the most serious coup plots in recent Nigerian history. The case is linked to a broader crackdown following a purported attempt to destabilise the government in 2025.
Among those charged are a retired major-general, a retired navy captain, a serving police inspector, and several civilians. A former state governor has also been named in the charge sheet but remains at large.
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Justice Abdulmalik had earlier ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and directed that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending trial.
Monday’s proceedings were held under tight security, reflecting the sensitivity of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the trial. Legal observers note that cases involving national security often attract heightened restrictions, although such measures can raise questions about openness.
Concerns over transparency
The exclusion of journalists has sparked debate among media practitioners and civil society groups over transparency in judicial proceedings. Critics argue that open trials are fundamental to public confidence in the justice system, particularly in cases involving allegations of treason and threats to democratic governance.
While the court has not publicly detailed the reasons for the restriction, similar instances in the past have been attributed to logistical or security concerns. Nonetheless, the development underscores ongoing tensions between national security considerations and the principle of open justice.
The court is expected to consider the bail applications of the defendants as proceedings continue. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and security landscape, given the gravity of the charges and the prominence of those involved.
The case remains ongoing, with public attention firmly fixed on how the judiciary navigates the balance between security and transparency in adjudicating one of the country’s most significant criminal prosecutions in recent years.
