The Department of State Services has arraigned five associates of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged concealment of his whereabouts.
Sylva associates plead not guilty to concealment charges
According to a report by Punch, the defendants — Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite — were docked before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge of concealing the location of Sylva, described by prosecutors as a fugitive. They pleaded not guilty.
The DSS alleged the defendants became accessories after the fact on April 28, 2026, contrary to Sections 519 and 516 of the Criminal Code. Justice Lifu admitted them to bail at N5m each with two sureties, subject to strict conditions, and remanded them at Kuje Correctional Centre pending compliance.
The matter was adjourned to July 22 for trial. Sylva has denied any wrongdoing amid allegations linking him to a coup plot against President Tinubu.
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