Paganengigha Anagha, the younger brother of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja for his immediate release from detention. Alternatively, he seeks to compel the Department of State Services (DSS) to formally charge him in court. Anagha has been in custody for 171 days, initially detained under a 60-day court order granted to the DSS on November 17, 2025, as part of investigations related to his brother’s alleged coup attempt.
In a motion presented by his counsel, Mr. Micheal Jonathan Numan, SAN, Anagha argues that the detention order has expired, and his continued confinement violates the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. During the hearing on Tuesday, Anagha was not brought to court, and no charges were filed against him or four other detainees. His motion, identified as FHC/ABJ/CD/2405/2025, references sections 35, 36, and 46 of the Constitution, along with relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Anagha claims he has been denied access to both his lawyer and family, arguing that constitutional protections take precedence over the enabling law used to justify his detention. He maintains that the DSS has completed its investigation and has not sought an extension of the detention order. Anagha describes his ongoing incarceration as an abuse of statutory power and a violation of due process, asserting that indefinite detention without trial undermines the integrity of the justice system. He has requested the court to either release him unconditionally, grant him bail on reasonable terms, or order his immediate arraignment if charges are pending.
In a 22-paragraph affidavit submitted by his wife, Anagha expressed his belief that judicial intervention would provide relief for his family, particularly given the expiration of the detention order. The DSS, represented by Y.I. Umar, has opposed Anagha’s application and urged the court to dismiss it. Justice Hawa Yilwa has adjourned the case until April 23 to issue a ruling. Anagha is currently detained alongside Musa Mohammed, Ayuba Reuben, Friday Lusa Paul, and Ayegbaife Suobite, all of whom support his plea for release.
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