EFCC declares former Petroleum Minister wanted over $14.8m fraud allegations

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted in connection with an alleged fraud involving nearly $15 million.

In a memo signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at EFCC, the commission stated, “Timipre Sylva, 61, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257 – part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery.”

Sylva, who hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, faces this investigation following a Lagos State High Court warrant issued on November 6, 2025.

The EFCC urged anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact their offices across Nigeria or call 08093322644.

They also provided the email info@efcc.gov.ng or advised reporting to the nearest police or security agency.