Coup controversy: Sylva’s brother, driver still in custody

Sylva

Two persons arrested during a raid on the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, are still being held in custody.

The PUNCH earlier reported that operatives stormed Sylva’s residence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, arresting his younger brother, identified as Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver.

Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, was reportedly outside the country at the time of the operation.

Sources familiar with the incident said Sylva had planned to return to Nigeria but cancelled the trip upon learning that some alleged coup plotters had been arrested.

His Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, in a statement last week, confirmed the raid on the ex-minister’s home but denied any involvement in an attempted coup and criticised the military for damaging his property.

Bokoru said some politicians had resorted to mischief because they perceived the former Bayelsa State governor as a major threat and obstacle to their ambitions.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, Bokoru, confirmed that the two men remained in custody. Punch