EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.8 Million Fraud

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 allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Sylva is wanted in connection with funds reportedly injected 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 public should note that a 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, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,” the notice read.

The EFCC appealed to the public for useful information that could lead to his arrest, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices nationwide, the nearest police station, or contact the agency through 08093322644 or info@efcc.gov.ng.