The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, wanted over alleged financial crimes involving $14.86 million.
According to an official statement from the Commission, Sylva is being sought in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds amounting to $14,859,257. The sum was reportedly part of an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery project in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
Court Grants Arrest Warrant
On November 6, 2025, the EFCC secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest from the Federal High Court in Lagos. The warrant, issued by Justice D. I. Dipeolu, authorizes EFCC operatives, the police, or any law enforcement agency to arrest Sylva and present him before the Commission to answer the charges.
In the order, Justice Dipeolu stated:
“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.”
Public Appeal for Information
The EFCC has urged anyone with credible information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates nationwide or report to the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Timipre Sylva, who served as Bayelsa State Governor between 2007 and 2012, later became Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the Buhari administration. He resigned from office in 2023 to contest the Bayelsa governorship election.
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The former minister has faced previous investigations by the EFCC over alleged corruption and financial impropriety during his tenure, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Legal analysts say the EFCC’s latest move marks a significant escalation in its anti-corruption drive, especially within the oil and gas industry. The public now awaits Sylva’s response or appearance before the Commission.