Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria several months after operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided his Abuja residence amid investigations linked to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Findings by Sunday MetroNews indicate that Sylva, who was later declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $14.86 million fraud, may be arraigned in absentia if he continues to stay outside the country.
Senior officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC confirmed that the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), alongside other international and local security partners, has been activated to track the former governor.
The controversy follows the arrest and detention of 16 military officers over allegations of sponsoring a coup plot. While the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initially dismissed reports of any coup attempt in October 2025, the military later confirmed that investigations uncovered a plot to topple the Tinubu administration.
In a statement issued on October 18, 2025, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had described reports linking the detained officers to a coup as false and capable of causing “unnecessary tension and distrust.”
However, presenting the outcome of investigations last Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that several officers were found to have cases to answer for plotting to overthrow the government.
“The findings identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba said, adding that those indicted would face trial before appropriate military judicial panels.
Following the arrest of the officers, Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided on October 25, 2025, by DIA operatives. Although the former governor was reportedly out of the country at the time, his younger brother, Paga — his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs — and his driver were arrested during the operation.
On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared Sylva wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257, said to be part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for a refinery project.
Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, has repeatedly denied any link between his principal and the alleged coup plot, describing the reports as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Sylva ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bokoru also condemned the EFCC’s action, stating that the former minister was undergoing medical examinations in the United Kingdom and would honour the commission’s invitation upon his return.
However, more than three months after being declared wanted, Sylva has yet to return to the country.
EFCC, Interpol Intensify Search
Investigations by Sunday PUNCH revealed that the EFCC had formally alerted Interpol to facilitate Sylva’s arrest. Although the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson and Interpol contact, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to enquiries, multiple security sources confirmed Interpol’s involvement.
“Interpol was contacted immediately after he was declared wanted. He cannot hide forever. If he is innocent, he should submit himself for investigation,” a DSS operative familiar with the case said.
An EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the commission was building its case and considering legal options, including arraignment in absentia.
“It is legally possible. The law makes provision for it, though investigations are still ongoing,” the official said.
Another EFCC operative urged Sylva to turn himself in, warning that international law enforcement agencies had been placed on notice.
“When someone of his status is declared wanted, global partners are alerted. Wherever he is, he will be traced,” the operative said.
When contacted for an update last Thursday, Sylva’s spokesperson declined further comment, citing the national security dimension of the matter.
“Given the confirmation by the Defence Headquarters, this is now a national security issue. Relevant authorities are best placed to speak at the appropriate time,” Bokoru said.
