EFCC Declares Former Petroleum Minister and Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Alleged Fraud
By Paul Ebi
Lagos, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with an alleged case involving the conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 (Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven United States Dollars).
The funds in question were reportedly part of monies injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
On November 6, 2025, the EFCC secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The order, granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu, stated:
“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 for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.”
The Commission has urged anyone with useful information regarding Sylva’s whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates across Nigeria, the nearest Police Station, or other security agencies.
This development marks a significant move in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat high-profile financial crimes and ensure accountability in public office.
