Federal High Court bars journalists from covering alleged coup plotters' bail proceedings
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal High Court on Monday prevented journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the government of President Bola Tinubu. Court officials, supported by Department of State Services operatives, directed reporters to leave the courtroom before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik took her seat. An unnamed court official stated the directive came from the judge. Journalists from various media houses, who arrived early, complied and exited the courtroom. This development occurs amidst significant public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the FG over an alleged failed coup. Those on trial include retired major-general Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired navy captain Erasmus Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Zaria-based Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani. They face a 13-count charge encompassing treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they all pleaded not guilty. Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and set April 27 for their bail applications, ordering their remand in DSS custody. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven counts but is not a defendant as he is still at large. Previous reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, with 36 serving officers a
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