Security agencies are intensifying efforts to arrest former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva, who may face trial in absentia over alleged fraud and links to a foiled coup plot.
Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has yet to return to Nigeria months after operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency raided his Abuja residence amid investigations linked to an alleged coup plot. Sunday PUNCH gathered that Sylva, declared wanted by the EFCC over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud, may be arraigned in absentia as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend him.
While the Defence Headquarters initially denied any coup attempt, it later confirmed a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The EFCC and DSS said Interpol had been alerted to track Sylva. A DSS source said, “Interpol was contacted immediately… He can’t hide forever.” An EFCC officer added that arraignment in absentia was legally possible if investigations were concluded.