Fraud, Conspiracy: Ex-Gov Sylva May Be Arraigned in Absentia
Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has remained outside Nigeria months after operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency raided his Abuja residence, amid investigations linking him to alleged financial crimes and a foiled coup plot.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the former governor, who has been declared 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 submit himself to authorities.
Security Agencies Close In
Top officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC confirmed that the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and other international partners have been alerted to assist in tracking Sylva.
The former governor’s Abuja home was raided on October 25, 2025, following the arrest of 16 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Although Sylva was reportedly out of the country at the time, his younger brother, Paga, and his driver were arrested during the operation.
Military Confirms Coup Plot
Initially, the Defence Headquarters denied reports of a coup attempt, describing them as misleading. However, the military later confirmed that investigations uncovered a plot to destabilise the government.
Presenting findings of the probe, the Director of Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, disclosed that several officers had cases to answer over allegations of 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 and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
Those indicted are expected to face trial before military judicial panels.
EFCC Declares Sylva Wanted
On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared Sylva wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds linked to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
The funds were reportedly injected into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
Despite assurances from his media aide that he was undergoing medical treatment in the United Kingdom and would return to honour the EFCC’s invitation, Sylva has remained abroad more than three months later.
Interpol Alerted, Arrest Imminent
Security sources disclosed that Interpol was contacted immediately after Sylva was declared wanted.
“Interpol was alerted right away. He cannot hide forever. If he is innocent, the right thing is to submit himself for investigation,” a DSS operative told Sunday PUNCH.
Another security official referenced the case of Nnamdi Kanu, warning that international borders no longer guarantee escape from justice.
Possible Trial in Absentia
An EFCC source confirmed that the commission is building its case and may proceed with prosecution even if Sylva remains outside the country.
“He is still on our wanted list. Investigations are ongoing, and once concluded, he will be charged. Arraignment in absentia is legally possible,” the official said.
Another EFCC operative urged the former governor to return voluntarily, noting that global law enforcement agencies had been placed on notice.
Sylva’s Camp Keeps Mum
While Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, had earlier dismissed allegations linking his principal to a coup plot as politically motivated, he declined further comment on the matter.
“Given the confirmation by the Defence Headquarters, this has become a national security issue. Relevant authorities are best placed to speak,” Bokoru said.
