Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva wanted over allegations of fraud, intensifying its crackdown on high-profile financial crimes in Nigeria.
EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated this in a press release on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $ 14,859,257.
He said the money was part of the 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 Commission, on Nov. 6, secured a warrant for the arrest of the former minister at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
” The Order, granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu stated that, “an order is made issuing a warrant to the Applicant or any Officer of the Commission, Police or any law enforcement officer for the arrest of the Respondent.
” This is for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed,” he said.
According to him, the Commission urges anyone with helpful information on his whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates across the country or the nearest Police Station and other relevant security agencies.