Breaking: EFCC Declares Former Petroleum Minister Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.8 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and one-time Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted for alleged involvement in financial crimes.

According to a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257, 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 EFCC said the public declaration follows a warrant of arrest issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.

Sylva, aged 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The anti-graft agency appealed to members of the public with information on his whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices across the country — including those in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja — or reach the Commission via 08093322644, info@efcc.gov.ng, or the nearest police station.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing all individuals involved in financial misconduct and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources.