The Federal High Court in Abuja has moved the trial date for five individuals charged with failing to report the location of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to October 5. Proceedings were halted because the court was not in session, pushing the start of the trial past the upcoming court vacation.
On July 1, the Department of State Services formally arraigned Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite. The two-count charge accuses them of acting as accessories after the fact of a felony and conspiring to conceal Sylva, whom authorities describe as a fugitive. These charges fall under Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
While the defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail at N5 million each with specific surety requirements, they remain connected to the broader investigation surrounding Sylva. The former governor is also linked to a separate 13-count treason trial involving six other individuals accused of attempting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
