- The DSS has arraigned five Nigerians in Abuja over alleged concealment of information about Timipre Sylva’s whereabouts
- They pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and being accessories after the fact of a felony
- The court granted bail and adjourned the case to July 22 for trial
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against five Nigerians at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing them of withholding information about the whereabouts of Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the defendants were brought before Justice Peter Lifu on Wednesday and faced a two-count charge relating to conspiracy and allegedly assisting a person described as a fugitive by concealing his location.
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The DSS alleged that on April 28, 2026, the accused persons deliberately failed to disclose information about Sylva’s whereabouts, an action it said amounted to being accessories after the fact of a felony and obstructing law enforcement duties.
The charges were brought under Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004.
When the allegations were read in court, all five defendants entered not guilty pleas.
Prosecuting counsel, Emmanuel Orubor, asked the court to set a date for trial and enable the DSS to call witnesses in support of its case.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the defendants applied for bail, telling the court that their clients had been in custody since October 25, 2025, and deserved release on liberal conditions pending trial.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Lifu granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties required for each accused person.
The court specified that the sureties must submit affidavits of means, proof of tax payments covering three years, evidence of legitimate income, and recent passport photographs, all subject to verification by the court registry.
The judge further ordered that the defendants remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until they satisfy their bail requirements.
The case was adjourned until July 22 for hearing to begin.
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