Journalists Barred from Covering Abuja Court Bail Hearing of Alleged Coup Plot Suspects
On Monday, April 27, 2026, reporters were barred from attending the bail hearing of six individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Court officials and DSS operatives ordered them out minutes before proceedings began. No explanation was offered beyond a promise of a later statement. The six defendants include a retired major-general, a former navy captain, a police inspector, an electrician at the Presidential Villa, and an Islamic cleric. They face 13 counts, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All pleaded not guilty and remain in DSS custody pending their bail applications. The case has drawn intense public interest. Sources say former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva is named in several counts but not listed as a defendant. About 40 suspects have been arrested so far, with 36 facing a court-martial. Reporters note this is not the first time Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s courtroom has restricted media access.
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