The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five men accused of concealing the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, who is wanted over his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants: Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite were brought before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a two-count charge.
The prosecution claimed that the defendants became accessories after the fact by hiding Sylva’s location after he fled the country.
The Federal Government had earlier declared the former governor wanted and commenced moves to confiscate some of his identified properties.
The DSS alleged that the defendants committed the offence on April 28, 2026, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
Defendants Deny Allegations
All five defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, counsel to the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for trial to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses.
RELATED NEWS:
- Alleged Coup Plot, Sylva Not Guilty – Media Aide
- Military Bars Journalists from Coup Trial as Falana Challenges Legality of Court Martial Process
- FG Arraigns 6 over Alleged Coup Plot, Terrorism Charges
However, defence lawyers representing the accused persons applied for bail, arguing that their clients had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025.
They urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case.
Court Grants Bail
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the charges were bailable and granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like amount.
The judge directed that each surety must swear to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the last three years, show proof of a legitimate means of livelihood and submit recent passport photographs.
He also ordered that the identities of the sureties be verified by the court registrar.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Trial begins July 22
The court adjourned the matter until July 22 for the commencement of the trial.
One of the charges alleged that the defendants knowingly concealed the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, described by the prosecution as a fugitive, thereby making themselves accessories after the fact to the alleged offence.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.