The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned five alleged associates of former Petroleum Minister and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing them of concealing his whereabouts after authorities declared him wanted over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite — appeared before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on allegedly concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive and conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to the DSS, the accused became "accessories after the fact of felony" on April 28, 2026, by allegedly hiding Sylva's whereabouts after he was declared wanted.
Prosecutors alleged the offence contravenes Sections 519 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Federal authorities have accused Sylva of financing and masterminding an alleged failed coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
He has been declared wanted, while identified properties linked to him have reportedly been marked for forfeiture. Sylva has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The five defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
DSS counsel Emmanuel Orubor urged the court to fix a date for trial, saying the prosecution was prepared to call witnesses.
Defence lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sanusi Musa, alongside Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I.G. Kelubia and E.C. Sogo, separately applied for bail.
They told the court their clients had remained in custody since Oct. 25, 2025, and urged the judge to grant them bail on liberal terms.
In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of 5 million naira with two sureties in like sum.
The judge directed that each surety must swear to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of three years' tax payments, show proof of a lawful source of livelihood and submit recent passport photographs.
He also ordered the court registrar to verify the identities of the sureties.
Pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions, Justice Lifu ordered that the defendants remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court fixed July 22 for the commencement of trial.
Comments
Add a comment