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 $14,859,257 fraud linked to funds injected into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
In a statement issued Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Sylva, 61, is wanted for Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of the funds meant for refinery construction. The declaration follows a November 6, 2025 warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court.
According to the EFCC, “Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the Commission at any of its offices nationwide or the nearest police station.”
The development comes days after Akelicious exclusively reported a military raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence over an alleged coup plot under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Multiple security sources said a “special military team” conducted the operation, detained his brother Paga, and extended the search to Sylva’s Bayelsa home.
Sources claimed the former minister had fled Nigeria, but his media aide, Julius Bokoru, dismissed the allegation, insisting Sylva is abroad for a routine medical check and professional engagement. Bokoru also said the raid caused significant damage to Sylva’s property and that no clear authorisation or explanation was provided by the officers involved.
The EFCC has published Sylva’s details and urged the public to assist in tracking his location as investigations intensify.
