Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested at least five individuals working closely with former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, for allegedly concealing his location from investigators. The arrests follow Sylva's continued evasion of authorities since April 2025, when the Federal Government filed a 13-count charge against seven civilians accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Background of the Case
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, is listed as the seventh accused person in the case. He has been on the run since the others were charged to court in April 2025, and his whereabouts have not been publicly confirmed by authorities. The alleged co-conspirators, investigated jointly by the Nigerian military and the DSS, face charges including treasonable felony, conspiracy to overthrow a democratic government, and conspiracy to commit terrorism, among other national security-related offences.
Those standing trial include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Victor Erasmus Ochegobia, serving police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Serving military officers implicated in the matter are separately undergoing court-martial proceedings.
Aides Face Possible Arraignment
A senior security official, who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, confirmed that five of Sylva's staff and close associates had been questioned and face imminent arraignment. The source indicated that the detained aides could face more serious legal consequences than their principal, given their refusal to assist investigators.
"They have failed to cooperate with investigators. That means they are also accomplices, they are collaborators in this undemocratic stance. They will have their day in Court soon," the source said.
Court Orders Investigation into Evidence Leak
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, ordered the DSS to investigate a suspected evidence leak. The prosecution alleged that trial materials served to lawyers of the six men being prosecuted for allegedly attempting to execute a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu were displayed on the internet by the controversial critic, VeryDarkMan.
The case continues to unfold as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend Sylva and ensure all individuals involved in the alleged plot face justice.
