Journalists Barred from Alleged Coup Plotters' Trial

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order preventing journalists from attending the trial of six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The presiding judge, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, instructed that no media personnel be allowed inside the courtroom, despite the public interest in the case.

Journalists arrived at the court around 8 AM but were informed shortly before 9 AM that they must vacate their seats. Security personnel enforced this order, leading to the journalists' removal from the courtroom.

The trial is set to commence on April 22, following an adjournment ordered by Justice Abdulmalik last week. The defendants, including Major General Moham Ibrahim Gana and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, face 13 counts of criminal charges related to an alleged coup plot.

They have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include conspiracy to wage war against the state and treason.