A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred journalists from reporting on the bail hearing of six individuals accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The development occurred on Monday when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) directed members of the press to vacate the courtroom shortly before the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, entered.
The directive was reportedly issued on the instruction of the judge.
As of the time this report was filed, journalists had complied with the order and left the courtroom.
The case has drawn significant public attention following the arraignment of the six suspects last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup.
Those facing trial include 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.
The remaining defendants are Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, both Islamic clerics based in Zaria.
