EFCC, FBI, Interpol trailing ex-Minister Sylva over alleged $14.9m fraud, conspiracy –Official

*Chief Timipre Sylva, former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum, may be arraigned in absentia for alleged malfeasance and ‘conspiracy and dishonest conversion’ of $14,859,257, part of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s funds for rehabilitation of the country’s ailing refineries

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following recent investigations into allegations of corruption, and $14,859,257 fraud in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), and other Nigerian anti-graft partners, are currently on the trail of Chief Timipre Sylva, former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

ConsumerConnect gathered the EFCC had alerted Interpol to facilitate the arrest of Chief Sylva.

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Earlier, the EFCC had declared the former governor and Minister November 10, 2025, over an alleged case of “conspiracy and dishonest conversion” of $14,859,257, part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited for the construction of a refinery.

However, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, had dismissed reports linking his principal to the attempted coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Bokoru, in a statement, described the reports as baseless and politically motivated.

He described the reports as the handiwork of “desperate and self-seeking politicians seeking to actualise their ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.”

But, top security officers, including Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police personnel affirmed that Interpol has been involved in efforts at tracking down and arresting the ex-Minister, who is currently outside the country.

Sources reportedly said: “Interpol was contacted immediately after the former governor was declared wanted.

“Apart from the EFCC, the service is also after him (Sylva). He can’t hide forever.

“He should submit himself for investigation, if he is indeed, innocent.”

On link to attempted coup against President Tinubu

Former Bayelsa State Governor Sylva has yet to return to Nigeria months after some operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided his residence, in Abuja, FCT.

At the time, report indicated that the raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence was connected with investigations into the alleged coup attempt against President Tinubu.

Following the arrest of the 16 Military Officers, Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided October 25, 2025, by operatives of the DIA.

Sylva was out of the country at the time his house was raided, but his younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver, was arrested during the operation.

Bokoru, in his statement after the raid, had condemned the EFCC’s action.

He stated that Sylva was undergoing a “medical examination” in the United Kingdom (UK), and would honour the Commission’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria.

The former Minister has yet to return to Nigeria till this day, according to reports.

Sylva faces prosecution in absentia

Besides, after the EFCC had declared him wanted over purported $14,859,257 fraud, the former Governor of Bayelsa State might be arraigned in absentia for financial crimes in the West African country.

Though on the run as of now, EFCC top officers reportedly affirmed that Chief Sylva “is still on our wanted list. We are looking for the right time to arraign him.

“However, investigations are ongoing. We are building our case against him and, when concluded, he will be charged.”

As regards whether the Commission would proceed to court for prosecution before his apprehension, the source said Sylva could be arraigned in absentia in Nigeria.

He averred: “It is possible, and the law makes provision for it. However, we have not concluded that this is the option we will take. But legally, it is possible.”

Meanwhile, another EFCC operative has urged the former governor and Minister to turn himself in for investigation, report noted.

The source also explained: “When a suspect of such status is declared wanted, all our partners around the world are placed on notice.

“Wherever he is, he will be traced. The right thing to do is to turn yourself in.”

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