BREAKING: Former Governor Declared Wanted Weeks After Alleged Link to Coup
Former Governor Declared Wanted Weeks After Alleged Link to Coup
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted over alleged financial crimes — just weeks after reports surfaced linking his name to an alleged coup plot.
In a public notice released on Monday and signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the anti-graft agency said Sylva is wanted for his alleged involvement in a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. The sum, according to the Commission, was part 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.
“The public is hereby notified that TIMIPRE SYLVA, a former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 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 Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery,” the EFCC statement read.
The notice added that Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and that the declaration follows a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices, or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng, or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the EFCC added.
It would be recalled that security operatives recently raided Sylva’s Abuja residence, reportedly arresting his brother and personal aide in connection with the alleged coup plot that had sparked nationwide tension.
However, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, swiftly dismissed any link between his principal and the alleged coup, insisting that Sylva was abroad at the time for both medical and official engagements.
“He has no connection whatsoever with any so-called plot. He was outside the country for legitimate reasons when the security operation occurred,” Bokoru had stated.
The EFCC’s latest declaration marks a significant twist in the unfolding saga surrounding the former governor, whose name has recently dominated headlines amid high-level investigations and political intrigue.
