Abuja court excludes journalists from alleged coup suspects’ hearing and sets accelerated trial dates
The Facts
- On April 27, 2026, journalists were ordered out of the Federal High Court in Abuja before proceedings in the case against six alleged coup suspects began.
- Court officials and security personnel told reporters that the exclusion of journalists was on the instruction of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
- The six defendants are accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
- Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing in the case and set April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 for trial proceedings and bail-related hearings.
- During the hearing, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi told the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s schedule.
- The judge ruled that trial proceedings would begin before any bail applications were considered.
- The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
- Reports available in the source pool did not provide an immediate public explanation from the court for excluding journalists from the proceedings.
Context
What did the court decide on Monday?
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik excluded journalists from the courtroom and also ordered an accelerated hearing for the case against six defendants, setting April 29, April 30, May 4 and May 5 for trial proceedings and bail-related hearings Premium Times Niger…,Channels Television,TVC News Nigeria.
Who are the defendants in the case?
The six defendants named in multiple reports are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani Daily Post Nigeria,Naija News,Whistler Nigeria.
What remains unclear from the reporting?
The reports say court officials and security personnel told journalists the exclusion order came from the judge, but they do not include an immediate public explanation from the court for why the press was barred Nairaland,Premium Times Niger…,Naija News.
How left and right read it
What stands out is the court shutting journalists out of a case with obvious public stakes while offering no immediate public explanation. When proceedings involving alleged efforts to overthrow an elected administration are closed off this way, it raises concerns about transparency, public accountability, and whether people can see justice being carried out in a matter of national importance.
The key issue here is procedural order in a case involving allegations of trying to overthrow the administration. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set an accelerated schedule, the prosecution said witnesses were ready subject to the court’s calendar, and the judge ruled that trial proceedings would begin before bail is considered, signaling an emphasis on moving the case through the court in a structured way.
The receipts — all 49 sources
Wire services (6)
Independent coverage (43)
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