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 case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

In a public notice signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency said Sylva is wanted in connection with funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.

Advertisement

According to the statement, the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.

The EFCC urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide or report to the nearest police station or security agency.

Timipre Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He served as Bayelsa State Governor between 2007 and 2012 and later as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where he oversaw key reforms in the oil and gas sector.

The EFCC’s declaration marks a major turn in the long-running scrutiny of Sylva’s public service record, particularly regarding financial dealings linked to his tenure and subsequent roles in government.

Advertisement