The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged concealment of the whereabouts of Timiprey Silva.
According to Channels Television, the defendants were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly concealing the whereabouts of Silva, who authorities described as a fugitive.
The prosecution alleged that the accused became accessories after the fact of felony on April 28, 2026, by concealing Silva’s location. The offences are said to contravene Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Silva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-minister, has been accused of masterminding an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, asked the court to fix a date for trial and to allow the prosecution to call witnesses.
Defence lawyers, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sunusi Musa, alongside Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I.G. Kelubia and E.C. Sogo, separately moved applications for bail. They argued that their clients had remained in custody since October 25, 2025, and urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms.
Justice Lifu granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that each surety must provide an affidavit of means, evidence of three years’ tax payment, proof of visible means of livelihood, and recent passport photographs.
Pending fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court ordered that the defendants remain in Kuje prison.
The matter was adjourned until July 22 for commencement of trial.
