Former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria months after being declared wanted by security and anti-corruption agencies for alleged financial crimes and his reported links to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to security sources, Sylva, who was outside the country during a raid on his Abuja residence by Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) operatives in October 2025, is now the subject of an international manhunt coordinated with Interpol and other global law enforcement partners.
A DSS operative familiar with the case stated, “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.”
The EFCC had earlier declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of about $14.86 million, funds linked to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and intended for refinery construction.
The raid on his home followed the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow the government. Although the military initially denied reports of a coup plot, it later confirmed in January 2026 that investigations had identified officers planning to undermine the government.
An EFCC official indicated that Sylva could be arraigned in absentia if he fails to return, noting that “the law makes provision for it.”
In response, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, previously dismissed the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” stating that the former minister was abroad for medical reasons and would respond to EFCC invitations upon his return.
When contacted recently, Bokoru declined further comment, describing the matter as a national security issue best addressed by the authorities.
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