The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 5 the trial of five men charged with allegedly concealing the whereabouts of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
The case, which was scheduled for hearing on Wednesday before Justice Peter Lifu, did not proceed because the court was not sitting. The matter was consequently adjourned until after the court’s annual vacation.
The five defendants – Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite – were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 1 on a two-count charge.
They pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The charges stem from the alleged concealment of Sylva, who is said to be at large and is also linked to a separate criminal case before another judge of the Federal High Court.
Sylva is currently being sought in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He is accused of having financial links with six suspects standing trial before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, although he is not listed as a defendant in that case.
The six defendants in the separate trial are retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, who are facing a 13-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
When the five defendants appeared before Justice Lifu on July 1, the prosecution, led by E.G. Orubor, requested a trial date after they entered their not guilty pleas.
The court subsequently granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties who must be Abuja residents and provide valid tax clearance certificates.
The bail applications were moved by defence counsel, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Sunusi Musa.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly concealed Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28 in Abuja despite knowing that he was wanted by law enforcement authorities.
The prosecution accused them of acting as accessories after the fact by harbouring or concealing a fugitive, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.
They are also accused of conspiring to commit the alleged offence, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act.
With Wednesday’s proceedings unable to hold, the trial is now expected to commence on October 5.