Coup plot: DSS arraigns 5 associates of ex-gov Silva over concealment of his whereabouts

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned five associates of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Silva, before the Federal High Court,Abuja,on charges of concealing information about the whereabouts of their principal, who has been declared wanted over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.

Silva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, has been declared wanted by the Federal Government, with his identified properties marked for forfeiture following his indictment as the alleged sponsor and mastermind of the coup attempt.

The five defendants; Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite, were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge.

The DSS alleged that on April 28, 2026, the defendants became accessories after the fact by concealing Silva’s whereabouts, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and separately conspired to commit the same offence, contrary to Section 516 of the Act.

All five defendants were however, granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties each in like sum by Justice Peter Lifu, after entering a plea of not guilty.

DSS counsel Emmanuel Orubor asked the court to fix a date for the prosecution to open trial by calling witnesses.

But the defence lawyers for each defendant Sunusi Musa, SAN, for Ayuba and Anagaha; Ibrahim Imadegbelo for Mohammed; I.G. Kelubia for Paul; and E.C. Sogo for Suobite ,filed separate bail applications, noting their clients had been in custody since October 25, 2025.

In admitting them to bail, Justice Lifu held that their sureties must depose to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of three years’ tax payment and verifiable means of livelihood, and submit recent passport photographs. The court ordered the Registrar to verify the sureties’ identities before the bail is perfected.

Pending perfection of conditions, the defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre. Trial was fixed to begin on July 22.