- Sylva is being sought for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of fund
- with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts should contact its offices
- the former minister travelled abroad for a medical check-up and a professional engagement
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged $14.8 million fraud.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on Monday by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Sylva is being sought for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
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According to the EFCC, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. The anti-graft agency stated that anyone with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts should contact its offices across the country or report to the nearest police station or security agency.
The statement described Sylva, aged 61, as a native of Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Nigerian Army personnel recently raided Sylva’s Abuja residence in connection with an alleged coup plot under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
According to security sources, a special military team carried out the operation after intelligence linked the former minister to meetings with detained officers.
It was gathered that the raid also extended to his Bayelsa home, and one of his brothers was arrested during the operation.
Reacting to the development, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, denied claims that his principal fled the country, explaining that the former minister travelled abroad for a medical check-up and a professional engagement.
He further alleged that security operatives damaged Sylva’s property during the raid without providing any explanation or warrant.
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