Nigeria, July 2 -- The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They were arraigned before Judge Peter Lifu for allegedly concealing Mr Sylva's whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The defendants, Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite, pleaded not guilty to two counts of concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive and conspiracy.

In April, the five defendants described as aides and domestic workers of Mr Sylva, said in a suit they filed to seek an order of release from custody that they had...