Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Associates of Timipre Sylva Over Alleged Concealment of Fugitive
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned five associates of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed the whereabouts of the former minister, whom the prosecution described as a fugitive in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
The five defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite — appeared before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly becoming accessories after the fact by concealing the whereabouts of Sylva.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly committed the offences on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, by concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, who was described in the charge as a fugitive. The alleged offences are said to contravene Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The prosecution further alleged that Sylva had been declared wanted by the Federal Government over his alleged role in financing and masterminding an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu, claims that remain allegations before the court.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
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Following their pleas, counsel for the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Counsel to the defendants subsequently applied for bail. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sanusi Musa, representing the first and fourth defendants, Reuben Ayuba and Paganengigha Anagaha, informed the court that his clients had remained in custody since October 25, 2025, and urged the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.
Similar bail applications were made by Ibrahim Imadegbelo for the second defendant, Musa Mohammed; I.G. Kelubia for the third defendant, Friday Paul; and E.C. Sogo for the fifth defendant, Ayebaifie Suobite.
In a brief 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 swear to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the preceding three years, present proof of a verifiable means of livelihood, and submit recent passport photographs.
Justice Lifu also ordered that the identities of the sureties be verified by the court registrar.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The prosecution will be required to prove the allegations during the trial, while the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by the court.
By PRNigeria
