MONTHS after operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided his Abuja residence in connection with investigations into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria, raising fresh concerns within security and anti-graft circles.
Findings by this newspaper indicate that Sylva, who was later declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud, is now being trailed by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) in collaboration with Nigerian security agencies.
Senior officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC and the police disclosed that Sylva could be arraigned in absentia if he continues to evade arrest, as investigations into both the coup allegations and financial crimes progress.
Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided on October 25, 2025, days after the arrest and detention of 16 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Tinubu’s administration.
Although Sylva was reportedly outside the country at the time of the operation, his younger brother, Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, as well as his driver, were arrested during the raid.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had initially denied reports of a coup attempt, describing them as speculative and aimed at creating panic.
In a statement on October 18, 2025, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed a report linking the detention of the officers to a failed coup and the cancellation of Nigeria’s October 1 Independence Day parade.
He described the claims as “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust,” adding that the arrests were part of routine internal disciplinary processes within the Armed Forces.
However, the military later reversed its position.
Presenting the findings of investigations last Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration had indeed been uncovered.
“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.
He added that indicted officers would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act.
Separately, the EFCC declared Sylva wanted on November 10, 2025, over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
The funds were reportedly part of monies injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
Security sources confirmed that following the declaration, the EFCC formally notified Interpol to assist in locating and arresting the former governor.
Although Nigeria’s Interpol spokesperson and Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to calls or messages, senior security officers confirmed that international tracking mechanisms had been activated.
“Interpol was contacted immediately after the former governor was declared wanted. Apart from the EFCC, the DSS is also after him. He can’t hide forever,” a senior DSS operative told Sunday PUNCH.
“Nnamdi Kanu thought he was off the radar for years. Where is he today? We will also get Sylva,” the officer added.
An EFCC operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Sylva remains on the commission’s wanted list.
“He is still wanted. Investigations are ongoing, and we are building our case. When concluded, he will be charged,” the source said.
Asked whether Sylva could be taken to court without being physically present, the source said Nigerian law permits arraignment in absentia under certain conditions.
“It is legally possible. The law provides for it, although no final decision has been taken. All options are on the table,” the officer stated.
Another EFCC official urged Sylva to submit himself for investigation.
“When someone of that status is declared wanted, all our global partners are notified. Wherever he is, he will be traced. The right thing is to turn yourself in if you have nothing to hide,” the official said.
Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, has consistently dismissed allegations linking his principal to the coup plot, describing them as politically motivated.
He previously said the former governor was undergoing medical examination in the United Kingdom and would honour the EFCC’s invitation upon his return.
However, more than three months after being declared wanted, Sylva has not returned to Nigeria.
When contacted again Saturday night, Bokoru declined to comment further.
“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,” he said in a text message.