BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The State Security Service (SSS) has arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot.
Afrilensnews reports that 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 conspiracy and aiding a fugitive.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly assisted in hiding Sylva despite being aware that he had been declared wanted by the Federal Government over allegations linking him to the financing of an alleged failed coup aimed at destabilising the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The SSS argued that by allegedly concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on April 28, 2026, the defendants became accessories after the commission of a felony, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The arraignment marks a significant escalation in the government’s ongoing crackdown on individuals allegedly connected to the purported coup plot, extending legal action beyond the principal suspect to those accused of assisting him in evading law enforcement.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before the court.
Following the plea, counsel to the SSS, Emmanuel Orubor, requested a trial date to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses and evidence.
Defence lawyers separately applied for bail on behalf of their clients. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sunusi Musa, representing the first and fourth defendants, urged the court to grant bail, noting that his clients had remained in custody since October 25, 2025.
In his 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 provide an affidavit of means, evidence of tax payment for the past three years and recent passport photographs, while the court registrar was ordered to verify all submitted documents and identities.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
