The Department of State Services has brought charges against five individuals linked to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva. These suspects are accused of hiding the former minister’s location after he was identified as a financial backer of an alleged plot to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Sylva, who previously served as the Minister of State for Petroleum under Muhammadu Buhari, reportedly left Nigeria before news of the coup scheme surfaced. The Federal Government has subsequently declared him a wanted man and initiated procedures to seize his assets.
The accused individuals—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite—appeared before Justice Peter Lifu and entered pleas of not guilty to the two-count charge of serving as accessories to a felony. Prosecutors allege the group concealed Sylva’s location on April 28, violating Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
During the proceedings, defense lawyers requested bail for their clients, noting they had been detained by the DSS since October 25, 2025. Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail set at N5 million, requiring two sureties per person. These sureties must provide proof of income, tax compliance for the last three years, and verification of their identity by court officials. The defendants are to be held at Kuje prison until bail terms are satisfied, with the trial scheduled to begin on July 22.
