Why We Declared Timipre Sylva Wanted — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency said the funds were part of an investment made by the NCDMB into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery, which was allegedly diverted.

The Commission said it had obtained a warrant of arrest from the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on November 6, 2025, to enable the arrest and interrogation of Sylva over the alleged crime. The warrant was issued by Justice D.I. Dipeolu.

“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,” the court order read in part.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offence involves conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds meant for the establishment of a refinery designed to enhance Nigeria’s local content and petroleum value chain.

The Commission called on members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information that could lead to Sylva’s arrest.

“The Commission also enjoins anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates across the country or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” Oyewale added.

Vanguard