Paganengigha Anagha, the younger brother of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately release him from detention after spending 171 days in custody.
Anagha, who was detained in connection with allegations related to his brother’s purported coup attempt, asked Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa to compel the DSS to free him or, alternatively, arraign him in court if he is implicated in any offence.
Through his counsel, Mr. Michael Jonathan Numan, SAN, Anagha argued that the initial 60-day detention order granted to the DSS on November 17, 2025, for investigative purposes has long expired. He noted that the secret police neither renewed the order nor brought any formal charges against him or four other detainees.
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CD/2405/2025, was filed pursuant to Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. Anagha’s legal team contended that his continued detention under the Terrorism Act violates his constitutional rights.
The applicant further complained that he has been denied access to his lawyer and family members since his arrest. He admitted the detention order was renewable but stressed that the DSS failed to seek renewal, claiming the investigation had been concluded.
Anagha described his prolonged detention as an abuse of power and an affront to the administration of justice. He pleaded with the court to grant him unconditional release or admit him to bail on liberal terms, insisting that keeping him indefinitely without trial is unconstitutional.
His motion was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed to by his wife and 16 grounds.The DSS, represented by counsel Y.I. Umar, urged the court to dismiss the application.Justice Hauwa Yilwa has adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for a ruling on the application.
Anagha is being held alongside Musa Mohammed, Ayuba Reuben, Friday Lusa Paul, and Ayegbaife Suobite, who have also joined in seeking their release.
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