Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they conspired to conceal the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who is being investigated in connection with an alleged coup plot targeting President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifife Suobite — appeared before the court on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy and allegedly harbouring or concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive.
According to the DSS, the five men knowingly assisted in concealing Sylva’s whereabouts despite being aware that he was being sought by security authorities. Prosecutors argued that their actions hindered ongoing investigations into the alleged plot.
The allegations remain before the court, and the defendants have yet to be convicted. Further proceedings are expected as the Federal High Court considers the charges brought against them.
Neither Sylva nor the defendants had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.
