Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria despite being declared wanted over alleged financial crimes.

Sylva’s absence comes months after operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided his Abuja residence in connection with investigations into an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Top security sources told Sunday Punch that Sylva, who is also wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud, may soon be arraigned in absentia if he fails to return.

Security officials, including operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC, said the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and other law enforcement partners were actively tracking the former governor.

“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,” said a DSS operative familiar with the matter.

The source drew parallels with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who was abroad before his arrest, saying: “He thought he was off the radar. But where is he today? We will also get Sylva.”

A senior EFCC officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Sunday Punch that Sylva would be arraigned, although no date has been fixed.

Following the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly linked to a coup plot, Sylva’s Abuja home was stormed by DIA operatives on October 25, 2025. Sylva was said to be out of the country at the time.

His younger brother, Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, was arrested during the operation, along with the former governor’s driver.

On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged “conspiracy and dishonest conversion” of nearly $15 million.

The funds were reportedly part of those injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for refinery construction.

Three months on, Sylva has not returned to Nigeria.

Sylva’s Camp Denies Coup Link
Recall that Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, dismissed reports linking his principal to any coup plot, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.”

In a statement, Bokoru said the former minister was in the United Kingdom for medical examination and would honour EFCC invitations once back in Nigeria.

He described the accusations as the work of “desperate and self‑seeking politicians seeking to actualise their ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.”

The raid on Sylva’s residence followed months of denial by the Defence Headquarters over a coup plot. In October 2025, the military dismissed media reports linking the detention of officers to a failed coup and the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

Brigadier‑General Tukur Gusau, then Director of Defence Information, described those 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 backtracked, acknowledging that officers had indeed plotted to overthrow the Tinubu administration. Major‑General Samaila Uba, now Director of Defence Information, said investigations showed “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” and that those indicted would be tried under the Armed Forces Act.

Similarly, an EFCC officer, who spoke with Sunday Punch on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that Sylva would be arraigned.

“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 if the commission would proceed to court before his apprehension, the source said Sylva could be arraigned in absentia.

“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.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, another EFCC operative urged the former governor to turn himself in.

“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 added.

However, when contacted last Thursday, Sylva’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

“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.