The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.
The defendants, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite, were charged with two counts of conspiracy and allegedly hiding a fugitive. They pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors told the court that the men became “accessories after the fact” by concealing Sylva’s location on April 28, 2026, contrary to Nigeria’s Criminal Code.
Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has been declared wanted by authorities in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Following their arraignment, Justice Peter Lifu granted each defendant bail of ₦5 million with two sureties and ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending fulfillment of bail conditions.
The case was adjourned to July 22 for the commencement of trial.
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