EFCC Declares Former Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Fraud

EFCC Declares Former Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with alleged fraud involving $14,859,257 (approximately €14.8 million).

Documents released by the EFCC say that the funds were 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 agency has accused Sylva of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of the funds.

According to a notice issued by the EFCC, a warrant of arrest was issued on November 6, 2025 by the Federal High Court, Lagos, paving the way for the agency to detain Sylva for questioning. The EFCC has called on the public to provide any useful information about his whereabouts.

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Sylva, 61, who hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, served as governor between 2007 and 2012 before being appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023.

The declaration has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political and business landscape, with many watching closely to see if the case will move swiftly into prosecution.

EFCC Declares Former Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Fraud