Trial of Five Men Concealing Timipre Sylva's Whereabouts Adjourned

The trial of five men—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite—charged with allegedly concealing the whereabouts of former Bayelsa state governor Timipre Sylva was scheduled to commence on Wednesday before Justice Peter Lifu but was stalled due to the judge's absence. The trial has been adjourned until October 5, 2026, primarily because of the annual judges’ vacation from July 27 to September 11.

The defendants were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 1, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include being accessories after the fact for concealing Sylva, who is considered a fugitive in connection with an alleged coup against President Bola Tinubu's government. The alleged offences occurred on April 28 in Abuja.

Each defendant was granted bail of N5 million with two sureties, who must be residents of Abuja and provide valid tax clearance certificates.