US EditionNigeria: Journalists Barred From Covering Coup Trial in Abuja
Reporters were barred as the court prepared to hear bail applications for six defendants facing 13 counts, including treason and terrorism.
- On Monday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered journalists ejected from the Federal High Court in Abuja as she prepared to hear bail applications for six defendants accused of plotting against President Bola Tinubu.
- Prosecutors arraigned the six defendants on Wednesday, April 22, facing 13 counts of treason and terrorism for an alleged failed coup; all pleaded not guilty last week.
- Operatives of the State Security Service and court officials directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the judge took her seat, signaling a preference for secret proceedings.
- Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva was named as a conspirator in seven counts, though prosecutors report he remains on the run after denying allegations last year.
- This ejection fits a broader trend of restricted media access in the Federal High Court, where officials often cite limited space while handling cases involving at least 40 total suspects.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Nigeria: Journalists Barred From Covering Coup Trial in Abuja
A court official and an operative of the SSS directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge took her seat, signalling what appears to be the authorities' preference for a secret trial.
Court Orders Accelerated Coup Trial, Next Hearing April 29
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted an application for accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fixing April 29 for the next sitting. The six defendants are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadi…
Alleged Coup Plot: Court Invokes Practice Of Speedy Trial Of 6 Defendants
Adjourns to April 29 Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted the request for accelerated hearing in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants. In the course of proceedings, the Attorney General of the …
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