Judge Bars Journalists from Coup Plot Bail Hearing

In Abuja, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court on Monday ordered journalists removed from her courtroom before proceedings began in the bail hearing for six defendants charged with plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government.

Security officers from the Department of State Services escorted reporters out shortly before the judge took her seat. Journalists, who had arrived as early as 8 a.m. to secure seats, were told to leave around 9:07 a.m. A court official, speaking anonymously, attributed the directive to the judge. An operative from the State Security Service promised an explanation later but did not provide one at the time. The prosecution had made no formal request for a closed trial. Once the media left, the courtroom door was locked, and the session proceeded without public access.

The defendants, arraigned on April 22 before the same court under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, face 13 counts including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorist acts. Prosecutors allege the group conspired in September 2024 to levy war against the state to intimidate the president, violating Section...