Federal High Court Judge Restricts Media Access During Opening of High Profile Treason and Coup Plot Trial

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik restricts media coverage as the treason trial of six alleged coup plotters, including a retired Major General, begins in Abuja.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 7:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from News Agency of Nigeria

Judicial Restriction on Media Presence

A significant legal proceedings began under a cloud of secrecy as Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the removal of all journalists from the Federal High Court in Abuja. Despite the high public interest surrounding a case involving alleged attempts to subvert the constitutional order, court officials and security operatives cleared the room of media personnel shortly before 9:00 a.m. on Monday. This move came without a formal court order for a closed door session, with officials stating they were acting on direct instructions from the presiding judge to ensure no one was standing in the courtroom once the session commenced.

Defendants Face Severe Treason Charges

The trial involves six suspects who are being prosecuted by the federal government for their alleged roles in a 2025 plot to wage war against the state. The primary defendants include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired Major General, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired Navy Captain, and Ahmed Ibrahim, a serving police inspector. Others named in the 13 count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Notably, former deputy petroleum minister Timipre Sylva is also listed on the charge sheet but is currently reported to be at large.

Allegations of Financial and Intelligence Failures

Beyond the core accusation of treason, the government’s case delves into a complex network of alleged terrorism financing and the suppression of vital security information. Prosecutors claim the defendants were in possession of intelligence that could have prevented terrorist acts but chose not to disclose this to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the charges include specific allegations of money laundering, with the state seeking to prove that funds were moved and handled to facilitate the destabilization of the Nigerian government.