Alleged coup plot: Sylva’s brother, aides to be arraigned in Abuja as trial commences

Paganengigha Anagha, the younger brother of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is scheduled to be arraigned today at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in a 2025 coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.

Also expected to be arraigned alongside Anagha are Sylva’s driver, Musa Mohammed; a police orderly identified as Ayuba Reuben; and escort driver Friday Lusa Paul.

Although the specific charges have not yet been officially made public, sources from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice confirmed that the arraignment is set to hold today, April 14, before Court 12 of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case is linked to earlier allegations surrounding an alleged failed attempt to destabilise the federal government in late 2025, in which senior security and intelligence sources had reportedly begun investigations into suspected coordinated activities involving military and civilian actors.

Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, was previously mentioned in connection with the allegations.

Reports at the time claimed he was abroad during the unfolding investigations, with suggestions that he was a key figure in the alleged financing network behind the purported plot—claims which have not been independently verified.

Security operations reportedly intensified in late October 2025 when personnel of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), alongside other security operatives, conducted raids on properties linked to Sylva in Abuja and Bayelsa State.

During the operation, several individuals, including his younger brother and close aides, were arrested and taken into custody.

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The alleged plot was also said to be linked to the detention of about 16 military officers accused of holding secret meetings aimed at undermining the civilian administration.

Following the allegations, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, strongly denied any involvement by the former minister, describing the claims as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his principal’s reputation ahead of future elections.

“Chief Timipre Sylva has no involvement whatsoever, either in planning or logistics with any such plot,” Bokoru said at the time, insisting that Sylva is a “thoroughbred democrat” and a loyal supporter of President Tinubu.

He also maintained that Sylva was abroad undergoing medical treatment with his wife when the allegations surfaced.

However, in a separate development in November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted in relation to an unrelated $14.8 million fraud investigation, further heightening public attention around the former minister.