Amanze Chinonye
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot reportedly under investigation by Nigerian security agencies, describing the rumour as a politically motivated ploy by desperate rivals to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a detailed statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, Sylva confirmed that his Abuja residence was recently raided by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters but expressed shock over the development, saying he was yet to determine who authorised the operation or why it was conducted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. Considerable damage was inflicted upon the property, yet no explanation was provided for their actions,” Bokoru said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that Sylva and his wife were out of the country at the time of the raid, the former minister undergoing a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom and scheduled to proceed to Malaysia for a professional conference.
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The former governor dismissed circulating claims of his alleged involvement in a coup attempt as false, malicious, and politically orchestrated, stressing that he had no involvement whatsoever, either in planning or logistics, with any such plot.
Bokoru noted that while the Defence Headquarters had already dismissed widespread coup rumours, the smear campaign persisted, driven by what he described as “desperate and narcissistic politicians” who see Sylva as a formidable obstacle to their 2027 ambitions.
“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle, a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions,” he said.
The statement also highlighted Sylva’s longstanding loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), recalling how he recently mobilised the Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu for a second term during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa.
Bokoru described Sylva as a thoroughbred democrat whose entire political journey, from his days in the Old Rivers State House of Assembly to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions.
Despite the statement from Sylva’s camp, the Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Army have remained silent on the reported raid and the broader probe into the alleged coup plot.
Multiple reports indicate that a special military unit stormed Sylva’s Maitama residence as part of ongoing investigations involving several senior military officers. No formal charge has been filed against the former minister, and details of the alleged coup plot remain shrouded in secrecy.
Political observers say the development underscores rising tension within Nigeria’s political class as the 2027 election cycle looms.
Sylva, a powerful figure within the APC and an influential player in the Niger Delta, has faced renewed scrutiny from opponents who fear his growing grassroots influence.
As the controversy unfolds, Sylva maintains his innocence, insisting that the allegations are part of a broader effort to undermine his political standing and distract from his continued support for President Tinubu’s administration.
Prime Business Africa will continue to monitor official statements from the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies as the story develops.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
