A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to five men charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) with allegedly concealing the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva.
The defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifife Suobite — pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge after being arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu.
According to the DSS, the defendants allegedly concealed Sylva’s whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot.
Vanguard reports that authorities claim the alleged offence was committed on April 28, 2026, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
Following their plea, the prosecution sought their remand pending trial, while defence lawyers applied for bail, noting that the defendants had remained in DSS custody since October 2025.
Justice Lifu ruled that the offences were bailable and granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must provide affidavits of means, evidence of three years’ tax payment, proof of lawful livelihood, and recent passport photographs.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Tags:
DSS, Timipre Sylva, Federal High Court, Abuja, Crime
