- Former Bayelsa state governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the late Muhammadu Buhari, Timipre Sylva, lost his elder brother, Chief Johnbull Anagha Sylva
- His death came amid the allegation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain funded a failed coup plotted to sack President Bola Tinubu in 2025
- Sylva, who was declared wanted by the EFCC, had been outside the country and had yet to return to the country and defend himself against the allegations, as he had promised
Timipre Sylva, the former governor of Bayelsa and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the immediate past administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, has lost his elder brother, Chief Johnbull Anagha Sylva.
Julius Bokoru, an aide to the former minister, announced the death of the senior Sylva in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, May 6.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
Bokoru’s post suggested that the former governor’s elder brother died on Wednesday, adding that a three-day Duwei Wari (Canopy Standing) would commence in honour of the deceased on the same day, by 3pm.
His statement reads in part:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Chief Johnbull Anagha Sylva, immediate elder brother to His Excellency, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.”
Sylva accused of funding coup against Tinubu
This comes amid allegations that the former governor of Bayelsa funded the 2025 failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu after he reportedly transferred N1 billion in multiple tranches to three separate bank accounts of a Bureau De Change operator.
While Sylva has denied the allegations, he has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and his Abuja residence has been raided. However, the former minister has been out of the country and has yet to return, despite promising to defend himself against the allegation.
Legit.ng recalled that Sylva confirmed the raid on his residence and denied any involvement in the plot to topple President Tinubu’s administration. He dismissed the rumours linking him to the alleged plot to disrupt Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy through his special assistant on media and public affairs, Julius Bokoru, who said the rumours are totally false and politically motivated.
Nigerians react as Sylva loses elder brother
Meanwhile, the announcement of Sylva’s elder brother’s death has started generating emotional reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Azanah Ernest Ishmael prayed for the deceased:
“Rest in peace. Chief Calmday of the Igbeta /ibuama group of war canoe chieftaincy houses. He was married to my Aunty Mrs Linah Sylva.”
Photo Credit: @Imranmuhdz
Source: Twitter
Samuel Monovie sent his condolences on behalf of his family:
“On behalf of the good people of the Okutukutu community accept my condolences, Chief. May God give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. CDC Chairman, Okutukutu community.”
Koka Henry Egbo prayed for the deceased and his family:
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. May His Soul rest in peace.”
Napoleon Eneji lamented the demise of the senior Sylva:
“Uncle jb ooooo may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
See the full statement on Facebook here:
Coup: Tinubu restructures security architecture
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu sacked all the service chiefs and announced their replacement with immediate effect.
The presidency announced the development in a statement, adding that it was part of Tinubu’s effort to strengthen the national security architecture.
This came amid the rumour that some military officers are planning to oust Tinubu through a coup.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng