Nigeria: Five Silva Associates Arraigned Over Alleged Coup Plot Concealment

Five associates of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Timipre Silva face charges in Abuja for allegedly concealing information about their principal's location. The Department of State Service (DSS) claims Silva is a fugitive implicated in financing an aborted coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.

The accused, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite, appeared before Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court. They face a two-count charge of being accessories after the fact of felony and conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically for concealing Silva's whereabouts. The alleged offenses are contrary to sections of the Criminal Code Act.

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accessories after the fact of felony by concealing the whereabouts of Timiprey Silva, who is said to be a fugitive of the law.

All five pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal teams moved for bail, highlighting that the accused had been in custody since October 25, 2025. The DSS lawyer urged the court to set a date for the agency to present its case.

Justice Lifu granted each accused bail set at N5 million, requiring two sureties each in the same amount. The sureties must provide an affidavit of means, proof of three years' tax payment, evidence of livelihood, and deposit recent passport photographs. The court registrar will verify the sureties' identities. Pending the fulfillment of these conditions, the accused will be remanded in Kuje Prison. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 22.

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conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically concealing the whereabouts of Timiprey Silva, who is described as a fugitive of the law