A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped journalists from covering the trial of six people accused of plotting a coup against the Nigerian government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered reporters to leave the courtroom on Monday as proceedings were about to begin in the high profile case.
Court officials and security operatives informed journalists that they were acting on the instructions of the judge and that no media personnel would be allowed to remain inside.
Some lawyers and other observers who could not find seats were also asked to leave the courtroom before the session continued.
When the judge entered and noticed a journalist still present, she demanded to know his identity and then directed him to leave immediately because he did not have a seat.
Reporters protested that the case was of public interest and that no formal order had been made to hold the trial without media coverage, but officials insisted they must comply.
The six suspects are facing a 13 count charge filed by the federal government, which accuses them of plotting to overthrow the democratically elected administration.
They were earlier remanded in the custody of the State Security Service following an order of the same court.
Justice Abdulmalik had previously directed that the case should receive accelerated hearing and that the defendants’ lawyers and family members must be given reasonable access to them.
The court fixed April 27 for the start of the full trial and for hearing the defendants’ bail applications.
Rights groups and media advocates have expressed concern that shutting out journalists undermines transparency in a matter with serious implications for democracy and national security.
They argue that open justice is essential, especially in politically sensitive trials, and have called on the authorities to guarantee access for independent observers.
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