The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally declared former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, wanted as part of a fresh crackdown on alleged embezzlement and money‑laundering tied to his tenure as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
According to the EFCC’s public notice, the move follows a warrant of arrest issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
The notice states that Sylva is sought in connection with an alleged case of “Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion” of US$14,859,257, described as 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.
The notice further adds that Sylva, age 61, from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, is wanted and urges anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact EFCC offices nationwide, or the nearest police or other security agencies.
The EFCC’s post on X reads in part, “The public is hereby notified that TIMIPRE SYLVA … whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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 Ltd for the construction of a Refinery.”
In addition to the financial allegations, the EFCC notice is coming amid earlier reporting of a raid on Sylva’s home in Abuja in connection with alleged coup‑plotting.
While the government has not formally charged him in relation to a coup attempt, the mention of impending investigations into “transactions” tied to national security‑sensitive matters has stirred speculation.
