The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted over allegations of fraud and conspiracy involving $14.8 million.
In a statement issued on Monday, the anti-graft agency said Sylva is wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 — funds allegedly 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 EFCC, the funds were meant to support local investment in refining capacity but were allegedly misused in violation of agreements between the NCDMB and the company linked to the former minister.
The Commission disclosed that it had secured a warrant of arrest for Sylva from the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025. The order, issued by Justice D.I. Dipeolu, authorises the EFCC, police, or any law enforcement officer to arrest Sylva and bring him before the Commission to face criminal charges.
“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,” the court order reads in part.
The EFCC also appealed to the public for cooperation, urging anyone with credible information about Sylva’s whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies nationwide.
Sylva, a key political figure and former minister under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has faced multiple corruption allegations in recent years. The EFCC said investigations into the refinery project have uncovered a trail of financial irregularities that necessitated his invitation for questioning.
