The Digest:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has activated a global alert with agencies including the FBI, INTERPOL, and the UK's National Crime Agency to track down and arrest former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva. The move follows a Lagos court warrant and his official declaration as wanted for the alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million in public funds meant for a refinery project.
Key Points:
- The EFCC has placed Timipre Sylva on its watchlist and alerted international law enforcement.
- Agencies like the FBI, INTERPOL, and the UK's NCA have been notified to help secure his arrest.
- Sylva is wanted for allegedly conspiring to convert $14.8 million in NCDMB refinery funds.
- The ex-minister, currently in the UK, claims he is undergoing medical checks and will honour the invitation.
- His media aide described the declaration as a "coordinated political onslaught" and "orchestrated hostility."
- This follows a recent military raid on his Abuja home over alleged (but unproven) coup links.
- EFCC sources are confident he has "no hiding place" and will be extradited to face trial.
Sources: Daily Trust, The Punch
