The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They were arraigned before Judge Peter Lifu for allegedly concealing Mr Sylva’s whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
ohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite, pleaded not guilty to two counts of concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive and conspiracy.
The defendants, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite, pleaded not guilty to two counts of concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive and conspiracy.
In April, the five defendants described as aides and domestic workers of Mr Sylva, said in a suit they filed to seek an order of release from custody that they had been detained since October last year.
In one count, the SSS alleged that the defendants became accessories after the fact by concealing Mr Sylva’s whereabouts on or about 28 April.
The prosecution said the alleged offences contravened Sections 519 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act.
After the charges were read, the prosecution lawyer, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to fix a date for the SSS to open its case by calling witnesses.
The defendants, however, applied for bail through their lawyers.
Sanusi Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented the first and fourth defendants, Messers Ayuba and Anagaha.
Ibrahim Imadegbelo appeared for Mr Mohammed, the second defendant, while I.G. Kelubia represented Friday Paul. E.C. Sogo appeared for Mr Suobite.
The defence lawyers urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms.
In a brief ruling, Judge Lifu granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties.
The judge directed each surety to swear an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the preceding three years, show proof of a legitimate means of livelihood and submit recent passport photographs.
He also ordered the registrar of the court to verify the identities of the sureties.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Judge Lifu ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge adjourned the case until 22 July for the commencement of trial.
