The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, the Commission said Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
The EFCC explained that the amount forms part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
According to the statement, the Commission secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest at the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025. The order, granted by Justice D. I. Dipeolu, reads: “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.”
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) November 10, 2025
The EFCC urged anyone with information on Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its zonal directorates across the country, the nearest police station, or other security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, the former governor has not issued any official statement regarding the matter.
