Coup Allegation Twist: Ex-Minister Sylva’s Family Dragged Into Secret Police Custody

More than a week after a military raid on the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, two individuals arrested during the operation remain in custody.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Security operatives reportedly stormed Sylva’s home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, detaining his younger brother, Paga Sylva—who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and his driver.

Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), was said to be out of the country when the raid occurred.

According to sources quoted by Punch, the ex-minister was initially scheduled to return to Nigeria but cancelled his trip after learning of the arrest of alleged coup plotters by security agencies.

Speaking with Punch on Sunday, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, confirmed that both men were still in detention.

“Not that I know of. As of last night (Saturday), they had not been released. I would have known if they were released,” Bokoru said.

He added that legal representatives were already handling the case, emphasizing that no incriminating evidence was discovered during the search.

“I believe some lawyers are on the matter already,” he stated.

Sylva Denies Coup Links

Bokoru earlier issued a statement acknowledging the raid but strongly denying Sylva’s involvement in any alleged coup plot. He described the operation as a “needless show of force”, alleging that soldiers caused significant property damage during the exercise.

“During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. The officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions,” the statement read.

The aide further accused political rivals of orchestrating the raid to malign Sylva’s image, calling it part of a broader campaign of misinformation.

“Some politicians have resorted to mischief because they perceive the former Bayelsa State governor as a major threat and obstacle to their ambitions,” he added.

Military Silent on Detentions

While the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, previously disclosed that 16 officers were detained for “breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline,” he did not connect Sylva or his aides to any coup-related investigation.

However, SaharaReporters alleged that the detained officers—ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier-General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over claims of a plot to overthrow the government. The outlet also reported that the arrests were carried out simultaneously across different parts of the country.