By Muhammad Mamman
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has strongly denied any involvement in an alleged coup plot, following reports that security operatives raided his Abuja residence over the weekend.
Sylva, in a statement released through his media adviser on Monday, described the incident as “a politically motivated smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing his reputation and destabilising his political career.
“I have no connection whatsoever with any coup plot or subversive activity,” the former governor said. “The raid on my residence was unprovoked, unjustified, and deeply disturbing. It is an abuse of power and an assault on my fundamental rights.”
Eyewitnesses in the upscale Maitama district of Abuja confirmed that a team of heavily armed operatives arrived at Sylva’s home late Saturday night, cordoning off the area for several hours. It remains unclear which agency authorised the operation, though sources suggest it may have been conducted in connection with a wider investigation into alleged political conspiracies.
Sylva, who currently serves as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, said he was shocked to learn that his name had been linked to any talk of a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
“I have served this country with loyalty and integrity,” he said. “To suggest that I would be part of anything that undermines our democracy is outrageous. I remain fully committed to Nigeria’s unity and stability.”
He urged the security agencies to act professionally, warning that politically motivated harassment of opposition figures could deepen mistrust and instability in the country.
“The use of state power to intimidate political opponents is a dangerous trend,” Sylva warned. “It erodes democracy and sets a bad precedent for governance.”
The Presidency has not yet commented publicly on the alleged raid or the broader claims of a coup plot, though senior government sources have repeatedly dismissed rumours of any military involvement in political affairs.
Political analysts say the latest development adds to the tense political atmosphere in Abuja, where reports of discontent within the elite and military ranks have circulated in recent weeks — claims the government continues to firmly deny.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have called for transparency and restraint, urging authorities to respect due process and the rule of law in handling politically sensitive investigations.
“Allegations of coup plots are too serious to be treated through media speculation or political vendetta,” one rights advocate said. “Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability.”
Sylva concluded by reaffirming his faith in the rule of law and called for an independent investigation into the raid on his home.
“If I have done anything wrong, let the facts speak. But let us not return to an era of intimidation and witch-hunts,” he said.
The incident continues to generate debate nationwide, with calls mounting for the National Assembly to look into the legality of such security operations against high-profile citizens.
