Five Sylva Associates Arraigned, Bail Granted in Coup Probe

Five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva were arraigned in court on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, on charges of concealing his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot. The men pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

The defendants-Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite-were brought before Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS). They face a two-count charge of being accessories after the fact of a felony and conspiracy, for allegedly concealing Sylva's location on or about April 28, 2026.

All five defendants entered pleas of not guilty. Following their arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Emmanuel Orubor, requested a date for the trial to begin. Defence lawyers, including Sunusi Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, argued for bail, noting their clients had been in custody since October 25, 2025.

Justice Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million, requiring two sureties each. The sureties must swear an affidavit of means, provide evidence of tax payments for three years, demonstrate a legitimate...