Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva’s younger brother, Paganengigha Anagha, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to order his immediate release from detention or, alternatively, compel the Department of State Services (DSS) to charge him to court.
Anagha, who has been held for 171 days, was initially detained under a 60-day court order granted to the DSS on November 17, 2025, for investigations linked to his brother’s alleged coup attempt. In a motion argued by his counsel, Mr. Micheal Jonathan Numan, SAN, Anagha contends that the detention order has expired and that his continued custody violates both the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Anagha was not brought to court, nor were any charges filed against him or four other detainees. His motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CD/2405/2025, cites sections 35, 36, and 46 of the Constitution, alongside relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Terrorism Prevention Act. He alleges he has been denied access to his lawyer and family, and argues that constitutional protections supersede the enabling law used to justify his detention.
Anagha maintains that the DSS has concluded its investigation and has not sought an extension of the detention order. He describes his continued incarceration as an abuse of statutory power and a violation of due process, asserting that indefinite detention without trial undermines the justice system.
He has requested the court to either release him unconditionally or grant him bail on fair terms, or to order his immediate arraignment if charges exist. In a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed by his wife, Anagha expressed confidence that judicial intervention would bring relief to his family, especially given the expiration of the detention order.
The DSS, represented by Y.I. Umar, has opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss it. Justice Hawa Yilwa has adjourned the matter until April 23 to deliver a ruling.
Anagha is being held alongside Musa Mohammed, Ayuba Reuben, Friday Lusa Paul, and Ayegbaife Suobite, all of whom have aligned with his plea for release.
