Media Outcry as DSS and Court Officials Block Coverage of Alleged Coup Plot

The Federal High Court in Abuja has indeed restricted media access to the trial of six individuals accused of a treasonable plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, journalists who had arrived as early as 8:00 a.m. to cover the bail applications and the commencement of the trial were ordered to vacate the courtroom by court officials and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

The Ejection from Court

The directive reportedly came directly from the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik:

• The “No Standing” Rule: Initially, court officials informed the room that anyone without a seat must leave. However, even journalists who had secured seats were subsequently told to exit the courtroom.
• Security Lockdown: Once reporters were cleared from the room, security personnel locked the doors to the courtroom, effectively turning the proceedings into a “closed-door” or secret trial.
• No Official Order: Media practitioners have raised concerns that no formal court order was issued or served to justify conducting the proceedings in camera, especially given the significant public interest in the case.

The Defendants & Charges

The six individuals facing a 13-count charge (marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026) include a mix of retired military personnel and civilians:

1. Maj-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd)
2. Capt. (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd)
3. Insp. Ahmed Ibrahim (Police Inspector)
4. Zekeri Umoru (Electrician at the Presidential Villa)
5. Bukar Kashim Goni
6. Abdulkadir Sani (Islamic cleric)

The charges include treason, terrorism, money laundering linked to terrorism financing, and failure to disclose security intelligence regarding the alleged plot, which was reportedly planned for October 1, 2025.

Broader Context: The Court Martial

While the six civilians and retired officers are being tried in the Federal High Court, a separate court martial for 36 serving military officers implicated in the same plot is also underway.

• That trial, which resumed on Friday, April 24, at the Guards Brigade in Asokoro, is also being held behind closed doors with no media access permitted.
• A notable figure mentioned in the court documents but not yet charged is former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva, whom the prosecution claims is currently “at large.”