Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex‑Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, may be arraigned in absentia on fraud and conspiracy charges if he does not return to Nigeria, anti‑graft and security officials have signalled.
The development was disclosed on Sunday, February 1, 2026, amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies to apprehend him.
Sylva, who also contested the Bayelsa State governorship on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in November 2025 over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud linked to funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence by Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) operatives on October 25, 2025 occurred while he was abroad and is understood to be linked to investigations that included allegations of financial crime and a wider probe involving military officers. The former governor has not returned to Nigeria since the incident.
Senior officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC told Sunday PUNCH that the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) had been notified and was assisting in tracking Sylva’s movements abroad.
A DSS operative said that despite being declared wanted, Sylva “cannot hide forever” and that he should submit to investigation if innocent.
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Sylva remains on the commission’s wanted list and that prosecutors are building a case against him for conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds.
The source said that while no formal arraignment date has been set, arraignment in absentia is legally possible and may be pursued if Sylva continues to stay outside Nigeria.
Sylva’s spokesman, Julius Bokoru, has denied links between the former governor and alleged coup networks or fraud in statements to the press.
Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for medical reasons and would honour EFCC invitations upon his return, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
A DSS operative familiar with the operations said: “He can’t hide forever. He should submit himself for investigation if he is indeed innocent.” An EFCC source added: “It is possible [to arraign in absentia], and the law makes provision for it.”
The potential arraignment of a former governor in absentia marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s anti‑corruption and security efforts, underscoring the willingness of authorities to pursue high‑profile suspects without delay.
Legal experts note that proceeding in absentia could expedite the judicial process but also emphasize the importance of due process should Sylva return to face prosecution.
If former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva does not return to Nigeria to face the fraud and conspiracy charges against him, authorities may proceed with arraignment in absentia under existing legal provisions.
The case continues to draw heightened attention as law enforcement intensifies efforts to enforce accountability at national levels.
