EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8m Fraud Case
By Shalom Ikuvbogie
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 $14.8 million fraud.
The anti-graft agency made the announcement in a public notice posted on its official X handle on Monday, stating that the move followed a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
According to the EFCC, Sylva is wanted in connection with “a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257,” said to be part of the funds provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
The commission appealed to members of the public with information on his whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices across the country or report to the nearest police station.
Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
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The development marks another chapter in the former minister’s ongoing legal troubles. Sylva, who once oversaw Nigeria’s petroleum sector under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has in recent years faced scrutiny over financial dealings linked to energy projects initiated during his tenure.
The EFCC urged the public to assist in tracking him down, providing a dedicated hotline and email address for relevant information.