ABUJA, July 2, 2026 – The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned five persons before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who prosecutors allege is wanted in connection with an investigation into an alleged coup plot.
The defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifife Suobite—were brought before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge filed by the DSS.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly concealed Sylva’s whereabouts after he became the subject of an investigation. Prosecutors further alleged that the former governor left the country before details of the alleged coup plot became public and has remained outside the reach of investigators.
The Federal Government had previously declared Sylva wanted and, according to the prosecution, has commenced steps to confiscate some of his identified properties as investigations continue. These allegations have not been proven in court, and Sylva has not been convicted of any offence.
At Thursday’s proceedings, all five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, led by Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to remand the defendants pending trial, informing the court that witnesses would be called to testify and documentary evidence would be tendered in support of the case.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly became accessories to the alleged offence by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28, despite allegedly knowing he was being sought by law enforcement authorities.
The prosecution argued that the alleged conduct contravenes Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Following the defendants’ not-guilty plea, the court considered the prosecution’s application for their remand pending the commencement of trial.
The case marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation by the DSS, with the prosecution expected to present witnesses and evidence when the matter comes up for hearing.
