The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud.
According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Sylva is being sought in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds amounting to $14.8 million, reportedly invested by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
The anti-graft agency said the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
“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 EFCC in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257 – part of funds injected by the NCDMB into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery,” the notice stated.
The EFCC described Sylva, aged 61, as a native of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, urging anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact the commission at any of its offices nationwide or through 08093322644 and info@efcc.gov.ng.
The EFCC said members of the public may also report to the nearest police station or security agency with any information that could assist in locating the former minister.
