Court Bars Journalists From Covering Trial Of Alleged Coup Plotters

A Court Gavel
Court Bars Journalists From Covering Trial Of Alleged Coup Plotters

Court Bars Journalists From Covering Trial Of Alleged Coup Plotters

·      Court Restricts Media Access

·      Defendants and Charges

·      Role of the Attorney General

·      Judicial Decision and Next Steps

·      Transparency Concerns

On April 27, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja barred journalists from covering the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The decision has raised concerns about transparency, as the case was not officially declared a secret trial, leaving judiciary correspondents uncertain about developments, particularly regarding the pending bail applications of the accused.

The suspects were brought into the courtroom under heavy security. They 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.

All pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge. A former Minister of Petroleum, Timiprye Sylva, was also listed in the charge but is reportedly at large.

The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), range from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

The prosecution alleged that in 2025, the defendants conspired “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi led the prosecution and requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and that the trial be expedited. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the request, ordering an accelerated trial and DSS custody.

The case has been adjourned for trial and accelerated hearing, with the government pressing forward on the treason allegations.

The exclusion of journalists has sparked debate about openness in judicial proceedings, especially in a matter of such national significance.