EFCC declares ex-minister Timipre Sylva wanted over $14.8m fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva — former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State — wanted.
In a public notice signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 (Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven U.S. Dollars).
According to the Commission, the funds represent part of an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery project.
A warrant of arrest for Sylva was reportedly issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025, following an order granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu. The order authorizes EFCC officials, police officers, or other law enforcement agents to arrest Sylva and bring him before the Commission to answer to the alleged offence.
The EFCC has called on members of the public with credible information about the former minister’s whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide or report to the nearest police station or security agency.
Sylva, aged 61, is from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and has previously held key political positions, including Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Governor of Bayelsa State.
