Centre Condemns Continued Detention Of Sylva’s Brother, Aides

The Centre for Justice and Equity (CJE) has condemned the continued detention of the younger brother and aides of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, describing the situation as “deliberate, calculated and premeditated torture.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the centre expressed concern over what it called the prolonged and unexplained incarceration of the detainees, months after their arrest, without clear charges being made public.

The spokesperson of CJE, Chief Igoni Lawrence, said the organisation had been monitoring the case since November last year, when four persons were arrested during a raid on Sylva’s residence.

He said, “We have been following this case since Chief Sylva’s residence was raided in November last year and four persons were arrested over alleged offences the public is still not aware of.

“Perhaps there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These men have remained in detention for months without clarity on the allegations against them.”

He also expressed worry over repeated adjournments by the Federal High Court, saying the delays have increased the emotional strain on the detainees and their families.

“The Federal High Court had fixed today, 19 February, for the commencement of trial after months of detention. We mobilised to be in court to offer moral support, only to be informed that the matter had been adjourned to 19 March 2026.

“This has subjected the detainees and their traumatised families to yet another month of emotional distress. At this rate, there is no guarantee that even the new date will bring any meaningful progress,” he said.

Igoni warned that keeping the men in custody without trial or publicly stated charges appeared “planned and calculated”, raising concerns about due process and the rule of law.

He said, “If these men are to be tried for any offence whatsoever, then justice must take centre stage. Arbitrary and prolonged detention is a stain on our democracy. It undermines public confidence in our judicial system and must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.”

The CJE spokesperson called on the Federal Government, the judiciary and other relevant authorities to handle the matter transparently and according to the law.

He identified the detainees as Mr Paganengigha Anagha Sylva, younger brother of the former governor; his police orderly, Ayuba Reuben; his personal driver, Musa Mohammed; and escort driver, Sunday Lusa Paul.

The four were arrested during the November raid and reportedly spent the entire festive season in custody.

The Federal High Court had earlier fixed February 19, 2026, for hearing the case, giving hope to family members and supporters. However, the matter was adjourned to 19 March 2026, extending their detention amid growing allegations of political intimidation linked to intra-party and opposition developments in Bayelsa State.