DSS Charges Associates of Former Minister with Concealment of Information
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally charged five associates of former Petroleum Minister Chief Timipre Sylva at the Federal High Court in Abuja. They are accused of concealing information regarding his whereabouts, as Sylva is suspected of providing financial support for an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
Sylva, who previously served as the governor of Bayelsa State, is currently wanted by the federal government. His assets are at risk of confiscation as part of investigations into his purported role in masterminding the alleged coup plot.
The five individuals charged—Ruben Ayuba, Musa Mohamed, Friday Paul, Paganengiha Anagaha, and Aybayifife Suobite—made their first court appearance before Judge Peter Riff. The DSS refers to Sylva as a fugitive, and the charges against the associates include concealing the whereabouts of a person sought by law enforcement.
The indictment lists two specific counts against the defendants, stating that they concealed Sylva’s location on April 28, 2026, thereby becoming accessories after the fact to a felony. This alleged act is said to violate Section 519 of the Criminal Code of the Federation of Nigeria, established in 2004.
In addition, they face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically aimed at hiding the fugitive Sylva, contravening Section 516 of the same Penal Code.
During the court proceedings, all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. DSS attorney Emmanuel Olubor requested a date for the agency to present witnesses against the accused.
Meanwhile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Sunusi Musa, representing the first and fourth defendants, Reuben Ayuba and Paganengiha Anagaha, submitted a bail application. Similar requests were made by Ibrahim Imadegbero for Musa Mohammed, and IG Kelbia and EC Sogo, who represented Friday Paul and Aybayifife Suobite, respectively. The attorneys highlighted that their clients have been in custody since October 25, 2025, and advocated for bail under lenient conditions.
In a brief ruling, Judge Riff granted bail to the defendants in the amount of NOK 5 million each, requiring two sureties for each person, also valued at NOK 5 million. The sureties must substantiate their means of income, prove three years of tax payments, and provide a recent passport photograph. Additionally, the court registrar will verify the identity of the sureties.
The judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at Kuje Prison until the bail conditions are satisfied and announced that the trial will commence on July 22.
The formal charges are outlined as follows:
Count One:
“You, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengiha Anagaha, Aybayifife Suobite, adult males, did, on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, conceal the whereabouts of fugitive Timipre Sylva, thereby becoming accessories after the fact of a felony, in violation of the Criminal Code Act, 2004, and specifically Section 519 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria.”
Count Two:
“That you, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengiha Anagaha, and Aybayifife Suobite, adult males, conspired to commit the felonious act of concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, a fugitive, on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, contravening Section 516 of the Penal Code of 2004, thus violating the law.”
