By Ayo Ayodele
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 case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257. The funds, according to the Commission, were part of an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the development of a refinery project.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the EFCC said Sylva, 61, is wanted pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025. The Commission urged members of the public with credible information regarding his whereabouts to come forward.
Sylva hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that, he was the Governor of Bayelsa State between 2007 and 2012.
The EFCC advised anyone with information to report at any of its offices nationwide, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, and other zonal commands.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to pursuing all persons linked to allegations of corruption and financial crimes, stressing that the cooperation of the public is crucial in ensuring accountability and justice.