Journalists have been barred from covering the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, raising fresh concerns over transparency in the proceedings.
The restriction, imposed despite the case not being declared a secret trial, left judiciary correspondents on Monday uncertain about developments, particularly as the suspects’ bail application remains pending before the court.
The defendants were earlier brought into the courtroom under tight security.
The Federal Government had last Wednesday arraigned the suspects before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, leading the prosecution.
All defendants, except former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, who is said to be at large, were present in court.
Those in the dock—including Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge when it was read to them.
Following their plea, Fagbemi urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and to grant an expedited hearing.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently ordered an accelerated trial and directed that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
The case was adjourned to April 27 for trial and accelerated hearing.
The Federal Government had filed the 13-count charge last Tuesday through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, with the charge sheet signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). Sylva, who remains at large, is also listed in the charge.
The defendants are accused of offences ranging from alleged treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the accused conspired in 2025 “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.
The government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to notify authorities.
