SECURITY AGENCIES INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR TIMIPRE SYLVA OVER ALLEGED COUP PLOT, FINANCIAL CRIMES

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has remained outside Nigeria after being declared wanted in connection with alleged financial crimes and investigations into a purported coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Security sources confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in October 2025 as part of investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu government.

Sylva was reportedly out of the country at the time of the operation.The raid followed the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly linked to the foiled coup plot.

During the operation, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga Sylva, who served as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were detained for questioning.

Separately, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted on November 10, 2025, over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving the sum of $14,859,257.

The funds were said to be part of monies provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.

Security officials said international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, have been activated to track the former governor.

A senior operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) said Sylva could be arraigned in absentia if he fails to return to Nigeria.“Interpol was contacted immediately after he was declared wanted.

Alongside the EFCC, the DSS is pursuing him. If he is innocent, he should submit himself for investigation,” the operative said, adding that Sylva would not evade justice indefinitely.

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the commission plans to arraign Sylva, although no date has been fixed.

Sylva’s media aide, Mr. Julius Bokoru, dismissed allegations linking his principal to any coup plot, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

He said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for medical examinations and would honour invitations from the EFCC upon his return.

Bokoru accused unnamed political actors of exploiting the situation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Defence Headquarters had initially denied reports linking the detention of military officers to a coup plot, describing the investigation as routine.

However, in January 2026, the military acknowledged that some officers were indeed involved in plans to overthrow the Tinubu administration, following further investigations.