The Department of State Services has arraigned five men linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, over allegations they hid his location after he was declared wanted.

The defendants; Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite — were brought before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday on a two-count charge.

Prosecution counsel Emmanuel Orubor alleged that on April 28, 2026, the men became accessories after the fact by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004. 

Count two accused them of conspiracy to commit a felony by hiding the location of the alleged fugitive, an offence under Section 516 of the same law. All five pleaded not guilty. Orubor asked the court to set a date for trial.

Defence lawyers applied for bail for all the accused. SAN Sanusi Musa represented Ayuba and Anagaha, while Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I. G. Kelubia and E. C. Sogo appeared for Mohammed, Paul and Suobite respectively.

Counsel told the court the men had been in DSS custody since Oct. 25, 2025, and urged liberal bail terms.

Ruling, Justice Lifu admitted each defendant to N5 million bail with two sureties in like sum. The judge said each surety must swear an affidavit of means, present three years’ tax clearance, show verifiable livelihood, and submit recent passport photos. The court registrar was ordered to verify the sureties.

The defendants will remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail is perfected. Trial is scheduled to begin July 22.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleged the defendants “became accessories after the fact of felony by concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, who is a fugitive from the law,” and conspired to do so.

Background: Coup plot allegations 

The PUNCH reports that the Federal Government also accused Sylva, ex-Bayelsa governor, and six others of sponsoring an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. 

After Sylva was declared wanted, authorities in April filed charges against his younger brother, Moses Sylva, and others for allegedly withholding information to frustrate his arrest. Sylva has denied any wrongdoing.

Authorities say they uncovered a major plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration, planned for October 2025. Those facing treason and terrorism charges include Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, retired Maj. Gen. Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Capt. Victor Erasmus Ochegobia, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim. Other military officers are reportedly facing court-martial panels.

Investigators allege the plan included assassinations targeting the president, vice president, and National Assembly leadership, with an initial target date of Oct. 1, 2025. The Independence Day parade at Eagle Square was cancelled at short notice after security agencies detected a breach. 

The Defence Headquarters said it confirmed a mutiny attempt and has arrested more than 16 officers. Treason and terrorism trials are ongoing at the Federal High Court.

Source: Federal High Court, Abuja proceedings; DSS charges; Defence Headquarters statements