The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday barred journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, took her seat.
A court official, who did not disclose his name, told journalists that the directive came from the judge, while a DSS operative said he would offer an explanation later.
The journalists, however, complied and exited the courtroom shortly after.
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Correspondents from various media houses had arrived at the court as early as 8:00 a.m. but were forced to leave at about 9:07 a.m. following the order.
The development comes amid heightened public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the FG over an alleged failed coup.
Those standing trial are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa.
Others are Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications. She also ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS.
