The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with the alleged misappropriation of $14.8 million intended for refinery construction.
The notice, signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, stated that Sylva is wanted over accusations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
“Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State, is sought in relation to an alleged case involving the misappropriation of $14,859,257, part of funds injected by NCDMB for the construction of a refinery,” the EFCC notice read in part.
The Commission said Sylva, 61, from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, is expected to respond to the allegations. The notice follows a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
Members of the public with information on Sylva’s whereabouts have been urged to contact the EFCC through its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, Abuja, via phone at 08093322644, or email info@efcc.gov.ng. Reports can also be made at local police stations or other security agencies.
This move marks the latest in a series of high-profile investigations into former public officials in Nigeria.
