The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged associates of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged concealment of his whereabouts.
The defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite—were brought before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on allegedly assisting Sylva to evade arrest after he was declared wanted by security authorities.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons knowingly concealed the whereabouts of the former governor despite being aware that he was being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Sylva has not been convicted of any offence.
The five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their arraignment, Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum. The court directed that the sureties must provide evidence of tax payment, swear to affidavits of means, and satisfy other conditions to be verified by the court registrar.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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