Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed information regarding his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite — were brought before Justice Peter Lifu on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive. Sylva, who has been accused of masterminding and financing the alleged coup attempt, remains at large and has been declared wanted by the Federal Government.
The DSS alleged that the defendants became "accessories after the fact of felony" on April 28, 2026, by concealing Sylva's whereabouts, an offence contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. They were also accused of conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically for concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, who is classified as a fugitive, in violation of Section 516 of the Criminal Code.
When the charges were read, all five defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution counsel, Emmanuel Orubor, requested that the court fix a date for trial, saying the DSS was prepared to call witnesses to testify against the defendants.
However, defence lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sunusi Musa, who represented the first and fourth defendants, urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms. They drew the court's attention to the fact that the defendants had been in DSS custody since October 25, 2025.
In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. The court directed that each surety must swear to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of three years' tax payment, show proof of a verifiable means of livelihood, and submit recent passport photographs. The judge also ordered the court registrar to verify the identities of the sureties.
Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The judge adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Sylva, who served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been accused of financing and masterminding an alleged failed coup attempt against President Tinubu. According to reports, Sylva allegedly channelled N785 million through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based construction company, to bankroll the conspiracy. The company's secretary, John Ebokpo, was subsequently interrogated.
Federal authorities have also moved to confiscate some of Sylva's identified properties. The former governor has denied any wrongdoing.
The alleged coup plot, which was reportedly planned for October 2025, has led to treason and terrorism charges against multiple suspects, including a retired Major-General, a retired Navy Captain, and a serving police Inspector. Intelligence reports revealed that the operation would have been violent, with alleged plans to assassinate the president, vice president, and principal leadership of the National Assembly.
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