- Alleged $14.8m Fraud: Sylva May Be Arraigned in Absentia
- Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau described the reports as an attempt to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the public
- Security sources disclosed that the EFCC, the Department of State Services and Interpol are jointly working to locate the former governor
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, may be arraigned in absentia over alleged financial crimes as security agencies intensify efforts to locate him.
Eko Hot Blog reports that investigations revealed that operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided Sylva’s Abuja residence in October 2025 following allegations of financial impropriety. However, the former governor was reportedly outside the country at the time of the operation and has remained abroad since then.
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It was gathered that the search of his residence was initially linked to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, which security agencies later dismissed as unfounded. The then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, had described the reports as an attempt to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the public.
However, the Defence Headquarters later confirmed that investigations uncovered alleged subversive activities involving 16 military officers. According to the current Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, findings showed that some officers were accused of plotting to overthrow the government, actions he said were inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Following the arrest of the officers, DIA operatives raided Sylva’s Abuja residence on October 25, 2025. Although he was absent, his younger brother, identified as Paga, and his driver were reportedly arrested during the operation.
On November 10, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud involving claims of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds. The money was reportedly linked to investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
Security sources disclosed that the EFCC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Interpol are jointly working to locate the former governor. An EFCC official confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that the commission could legally proceed with prosecution even without Sylva’s physical presence.
“He remains on our wanted list. Investigations are ongoing, and once concluded, he will be charged. The law makes provision for arraignment in absentia, although that option has not been finalised,” the official said.
Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, has dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and driven by individuals seeking to advance their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. He maintained that the former governor travelled to the United Kingdom for medical reasons and would respond to the EFCC upon his return.
However, more than three months after he was declared wanted, Sylva has yet to return to Nigeria.
An EFCC operative said Interpol was immediately contacted following the declaration, stressing that the former governor could not evade the law indefinitely.
“He should submit himself for investigation if he has nothing to hide,” the source added.
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