EFCC Declares Former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted

By Chinedu Echianu

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 conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

In a public notice released on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the funds were part of an investment provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.

According to the EFCC, a Federal High Court in Lagos issued a warrant for Sylva’s arrest on November 6, 2025, authorising law enforcement agencies to detain him for questioning regarding the alleged financial offences. The warrant was granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu.

The commission urged anyone with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices across the country or reach them via email at info@efcc.gov.ng or through 08093322644.

The anti-graft agency’s action comes less than a month after the House of Representatives launched a probe into the alleged mismanagement of a $35 million investment by the NCDMB in the same refinery project, which has yet to materialise in the Niger Delta.

The motion, sponsored by lawmaker Billy Osawaru, followed revelations that the refinery does not exist despite the substantial public investment made five years ago. Lawmakers subsequently directed their Committees on Midstream, Downstream, and Legislative Compliance to investigate the matter and report back within four weeks.

In a related development, Sylva recently made headlines after his Abuja residence was raided by the military on October 25 over alleged links to an attempted coup. His brother and Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Paga Sylva, along with his driver, were reportedly arrested during the operation.

Sylva, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was said to be outside the country at the time. His media aide, Julius Bokoru, confirmed the raid but dismissed the coup allegations, accusing the military of causing unnecessary damage to the property.