DSS Arraigns Five Over Alleged Cover-Up Of Timipre Sylva’s Whereabouts

The Department of State Services has arraigned five associates of former Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court over allegations of concealing his whereabouts.

The defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite—appeared before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge of allegedly concealing the whereabouts of Sylva, whom the prosecution described as a fugitive.

According to the DSS, the defendants allegedly became accessories after the fact by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on April 28, 2026, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act. They were also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony by concealing the alleged fugitive’s whereabouts, an offence under Section 516 of the Criminal Code.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, DSS counsel, Emmanuel Orubor, asked the court to fix a date for trial, while lawyers representing the defendants filed separate bail applications. Defence counsel informed the court that their clients had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025, and urged the court to grant them bail.

Justice Lifu admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum. He directed that each surety must provide an affidavit of means, evidence of three years’ tax payments, proof of a verifiable means of livelihood, and recent passport photographs. The court registrar was also ordered to verify the identities of the sureties.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The case was adjourned until July 22 for the commencement of trial.

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The arraignment follows an ongoing Federal Government case in which Sylva and several others are accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Authorities allege the conspiracy, reportedly planned for October 2025, involved attempts to violently overthrow the government, including alleged plans to assassinate the President, the Vice President and key leaders of the National Assembly.

Sylva has denied any wrongdoing. The allegations remain before the court, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.