Amanze Chinonye
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 and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, Prime Business Africa reports.
The defendants Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge of conspiracy and allegedly concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive.
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According to the prosecution, the defendants knowingly concealed Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, thereby becoming accessories after the fact to a felony, contrary to Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, counsel for the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to fix a date for trial, while defence counsel applied for bail, arguing that the defendants had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025.
In a ruling, Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum. The court directed that each surety must depose to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of three years’ tax clearance, proof of a verifiable means of livelihood, and recent passport photographs. The court registrar was also directed to verify the identities and addresses of the sureties.
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Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment marks the latest development in the Federal Government’s prosecution of individuals linked to the alleged coup plot. While the proceedings against the five defendants centre on claims that they shielded a fugitive from arrest, the case also underscores the government’s determination to pursue anyone suspected of aiding or obstructing investigations into the alleged conspiracy.
Sylva, who has been declared wanted by the authorities, is separately facing allegations of financing and masterminding the alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration. However, he has not been apprehended, and the allegations against him, as well as those against the five defendants, remain before the court and have yet to be proven.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
