By Vivian Okejeme
The Department of the State Service(DSS)Thursday, arraigned five associates of former Minister of Petroleum Chief Timipre Silva over alleged information concealment.
DSS alleged that the defendants concealed information on the whereabout of Silva, allegedly implicated as financier of aborted coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants who were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja were Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifife Suobite.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.
Silva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State has been declared wanted by the federal government and his identified properties marked for forfeiture following indictment of being the sponsor and mastermind of the alleged coup plot.
The prosecution had in a two count charge claimed that the accused persons on April 28, 2026, became accessories after the fact of felony by concealing the whereabouts of Timiprey Silva, said to be a fugitive of the law.
According to the DSS, the alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
DSS also accused them of conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: concealing the . whereabouts of Timiprey Silva, who is a fugitive of the law contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code LFN, 2004.
Following the not guilty plea, Counsel to DSS, Emmanuel Orubor asked the Judge to give a date for the DSS to open their trial by calling witnesses to testify against them.
Reacting, the defendants, through their various counsel moved application for bail of their clients.
They argued that their clients have been in the custody since October 25, 2025 and urged the Court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.
In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu admitted them to bail in the sum of N5million each and two sureties each in the like sum.
The sureties are to swear to affidavit of means, show evidence of three years tax payment, show evidence of visible means of livelihood and deposit their recent passport photographs.
Justice Lifu ordered that the claims of identities of the sureties must be verified by the Registrar of the Court.
Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the Judge ordered that the accused persons be reminded in Kuje prison.
Meantime, the matter is adjourned to July 22, for commencement of trial.
