The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court in Abuja. They appeared before Judge Peter Lifu, accused of concealing Sylva's whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
The defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite—pleaded not guilty to two counts: conspiracy and concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive. In April, the five, described as aides and domestic workers of Sylva, filed a suit seeking release from custody, claiming they had been detained since October last year.
Prosecution's Allegations
The SSS alleged that the defendants became accessories after the fact by concealing Sylva's whereabouts on or about 28 April. According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 519 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act. After the charges were read, prosecution lawyer Emmanuel Orubor urged the court to fix a date for the SSS to open its case by calling witnesses.
Bail Granted
The defendants applied for bail through their lawyers. Sanusi Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented Ayuba and Anagaha. Ibrahim Imadegbelo appeared for Mohammed, I.G. Kelubia for Paul, and E.C. Sogo for Suobite. The defence lawyers urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. In a brief ruling, Judge Lifu granted each defendant bail of N5 million with two sureties. The judge directed each surety to swear an affidavit of means, provide evidence of tax payment for the preceding three years, show proof of a legitimate means of livelihood, and submit recent passport photographs. He also ordered the court registrar to verify the sureties' identities. Pending fulfilment of bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until 22 July for trial.
Background on Sylva's Alleged Role
PREMIUM TIMES has extensively reported on Sylva's alleged role in the failed coup plot. In an exclusive report in February, the newspaper revealed that security agencies identified Sylva, who served as minister of state for petroleum resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, as one of the principal financiers of the plot. Investigators alleged he channelled N785 million through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based construction company, to bankroll the conspiracy. The firm's secretary, John Ebokpo, was subsequently interrogated. Investigators further alleged that another suspect funnelled N50 million through a separate company, bringing total alleged funding to N835 million.
Details of the Alleged Plot
PREMIUM TIMES also published an exclusive detailing what investigators described as an elaborate plan by the alleged conspirators to storm the Presidential Villa in Abuja, seize power, and capture President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The conspiracy allegedly involved more than 40 serving and retired military officers as well as civilians.
Legal Proceedings
Although Sylva was named in seven of the 13 counts later filed by the federal government, he was not charged as a defendant in the case where six defendants are facing prosecution before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In April, those six defendants were arraigned on 13 counts of treason, terrorism, terrorism financing, money laundering, and failure to disclose information. They include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani. All pleaded not guilty. The case has progressed to a trial-within-trial ordered by the judge to determine whether the written extra-judicial statements credited to the defendants were made voluntarily. The outcome will determine admissibility of the statements. The government says Sylva has remained on the run. Sylva has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot and rejected the allegations. Meanwhile, 36 serving military officers implicated in the investigation are facing trial before a General Court Martial in Abuja.
