The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted in connection with an alleged financial crime involving over $14.8 million.
In a public notice released on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) page, the anti-graft agency said Sylva is being sought over a case of “Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257”. The funds in question were 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.
The EFCC explained that the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued on November 6, 2025, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The court order, granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu, authorized law enforcement agencies to arrest the former minister “for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.”
Details of the Allegations and Ongoing Investigation
According to the EFCC, the investigation centres on how the $14.8 million, provided for the refinery project through the NCDMB, was allegedly diverted. The funds were meant to support the establishment of a privately operated refinery under a partnership model to boost Nigeria’s downstream petroleum capacity.
Sources within the Commission indicate that investigators have been tracing financial flows linked to the refinery project, including transactions involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. While details of the alleged conspiracy have not been fully disclosed, the EFCC maintains that there is sufficient evidence to justify Sylva’s arrest and questioning.
The notice described Sylva, 61, as a native of Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. It urged anyone with relevant information about his whereabouts to contact the EFCC through any of its zonal offices nationwide or via its official hotline and email address.
Legal and Political Implications of the EFCC Declaration
The EFCC’s action marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption, especially among high-profile political figures. Sylva, who served as Minister of State for Petroleum under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has previously faced graft allegations but was cleared or had cases discontinued in earlier probes.
Legal analysts suggest that the case could have significant implications given Sylva’s political stature and recent activities within the oil and gas sector. His declaration as wanted by the EFCC could also influence ongoing discussions about transparency in public-private partnerships, especially in strategic national projects such as refineries.
As of press time, Sylva or his legal representatives have not issued a public statement responding to the EFCC’s declaration. The development continues to generate wide public attention both online and within political circles in Bayelsa and Abuja.
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