Coup Allegations: ‘Timipre Sylva Can’t Hide Forever, We’ll Get Him’ – DSS Operative
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria months after being declared wanted over alleged financial crimes and his suspected link to a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Sylva’s continued absence follows a raid on his Abuja residence by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) as part of investigations into an alleged attempt to overthrow the current government.
Top security sources told Sunday Punch that the former governor, who is also wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud, may be arraigned in absentia if he fails to present himself to Nigerian authorities.
Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC disclosed that the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), alongside other international law enforcement partners, has been placed on alert to track Sylva.
A DSS operative familiar with the case said, “Interpol was contacted immediately after the former governor was declared wanted. Apart from the EFCC, the service is also after him. He can’t hide forever. He should submit himself for investigation if he is indeed innocent.”
The source compared Sylva’s situation to that of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested after years abroad.
“He thought he was off the radar. But where is he today? We will also get Sylva,” the operative added.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke to Sunday Punch on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the commission plans to arraign Sylva, though no specific date has been fixed.
Following the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly linked to a coup plot, DIA operatives stormed Sylva’s Abuja residence on October 25, 2025. He was reportedly outside the country at the time of the operation.
During the raid, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga Sylva—his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—was arrested alongside the former governor’s driver.
On November 10, 2025, the EFCC formally declared Sylva wanted over alleged “conspiracy and dishonest conversion” of nearly $15 million.
Investigators said the funds were part of those disbursed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for refinery construction.
Three months after being declared wanted, Sylva has yet to return to the country.
Sylva’s Camp Denies Coup Allegations
Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, has denied reports linking his principal to any coup plot, describing the claims as “baseless and politically motivated.”
In a statement, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for medical examination and would respond to EFCC invitations upon his return to Nigeria.
He further described the allegations as the handiwork of “desperate and self-seeking politicians seeking to actualise their ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The raid on Sylva’s residence came after months of official denials by the Defence Headquarters regarding any coup attempt. In October 2025, the military dismissed reports suggesting that the detention of officers and the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade were linked to a failed coup.
Then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, had described such reports as “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
“The ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he said.
However, in January 2026, the military reversed its position, acknowledging that some officers had indeed plotted to overthrow the Tinubu administration. The current Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said investigations revealed “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” adding that those indicted would be prosecuted under the Armed Forces Act.
An EFCC officer, who spoke to Sunday Punch on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement, reiterated that Sylva remains on the commission’s wanted list.
“He is still on our wanted list. We are looking for the right time to arraign him. However, investigations are ongoing. We are building our case against him and, when concluded, he will be charged,” the source said.
Asked whether the EFCC could proceed with prosecution in Sylva’s absence, the official said the option was legally permissible.
“It is possible, and the law makes provision for it. However, we have not concluded that this is the option we will take. But legally, it is possible,” he added.
Another EFCC operative also urged the former governor to submit himself to authorities.
“When a suspect of such status is declared wanted, all our partners around the world are placed on notice. Wherever he is, he will be traced. The right thing to do is to turn yourself in,” he said.
When contacted last Thursday, Sylva’s spokesperson declined further comment.
“Given the confirmation by the Defence Headquarters, this is now a national security matter. I am not in a position to comment on speculations, travel or investigations. Relevant authorities are best placed to speak when appropriate,” Bokoru said in a text message.
