DSS arraigns five over alleged cover-up of Timipre Sylva’s whereabouts

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five persons before a federal high court in Abuja over allegations of concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa state.

The defendants, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite, appeared before the court on Wednesday on a two-count charge filed by the secret police.

According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly concealed the whereabouts of Sylva on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, despite knowing he was being sought by authorities.

The DSS alleged that the defendants acted as accessories after the fact by assisting in concealing the whereabouts of the former governor, an allegation they denied before the court.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the arraignment, counsel to the DSS, E.G. Orubor, asked the court to fix a date for trial, stating that the prosecution was prepared to present evidence in support of its case.

Lawyers representing the defendants, however, applied for bail on their behalf.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the applications and admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties each.

The court directed that the sureties must be residents of Abuja and provide valid tax clearance certificates as part of the bail conditions.

The case is connected to an earlier prosecution by the Federal Government involving six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

Although Sylva was mentioned in the earlier charge in relation to the investigation, he was not listed as one of the defendants facing trial.