Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged associates of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The five defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite—were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive.

According to the DSS, the defendants became accessories after the alleged offence by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28, 2026, despite allegedly knowing that he had been declared wanted by the Federal Government.

The security agency alleged that the defendants committed offences contrary to Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

When the charges were read in court, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, counsel to the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for trial, stating that the prosecution was prepared to call witnesses to establish its case.

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However, defence lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sunusi Musa, alongside Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I.G. Kelubia, and E.C. Sogo, applied for bail on behalf of their clients.

The defence informed the court that the defendants had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025, and urged Justice Lifu to admit them to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the offences contained in the charge are bailable and consequently admitted each defendant to ₦5 million bail, with two sureties in like sum.

The court directed that each surety must depose to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the preceding three years, demonstrate a legitimate source of income, submit recent passport photographs, and undergo verification by the court registrar.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Justice Lifu ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

One of the charges alleged that the defendants concealed the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, whom the DSS described as “a fugitive of the law,” thereby becoming accessories after the commission of a felony.

The arraignment forms part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to court filings, security agencies allege that Sylva fled Nigeria before details of the investigation became public and was subsequently declared wanted.

Authorities have also initiated legal proceedings seeking the forfeiture of some properties allegedly linked to the former governor as part of the ongoing investigation.

The allegations against Sylva and the five defendants remain before the court. Under Nigerian law, they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention as the Federal Government continues its investigation into the alleged coup plot and related offences.

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva