Nigeria’s EFCC Declares Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Fraud Allegation
In a significant escalation of a high-profile financial crime investigation, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly declared former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva a wanted man. The declaration is linked to an alleged conspiracy and misappropriation of funds totaling $14,859,257.
Warrant Issued for Former Petroleum Minister
The anti-graft agency announced the move on Monday, stating that the 61-year-old former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources is sought for questioning regarding his alleged role in the diversion of money provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). According to the EFCC, the funds were originally allocated to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for a refinery construction project.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, confirmed that the notice follows a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. This legal backing underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
The Specifics of the Allegation
The heart of the allegation centers on a substantial sum of money that was meant to bolster Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity. The EFCC’s statement explicitly accuses Sylva of involvement in a scheme to misappropriate part of the $14.8 million provided by the NCDMB. This board is a key government body tasked with developing local content in the nation’s crucial oil and gas sector.
The intended beneficiary, Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, was supposedly set to use the funds for construction, raising questions about how such a significant amount could allegedly be diverted. The case touches on the persistent issue of corruption within Nigeria’s energy industry, a sector that generates the bulk of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
A Call for Public Assistance
In its public notice, the EFCC has called on Nigerians with any information on Sylva’s whereabouts to come forward. The commission listed its offices across numerous cities—including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano—as points of contact. It also provided a dedicated phone line and email address for tips.
The public declaration places immense pressure on the former governor, a prominent figure from Bayelsa State’s Brass Local Government Area. It signals the EFCC’s determination to apprehend him for what it describes as an “alleged case of conspiracy and misappropriation.”
This development marks a dramatic turn for Sylva, who once held one of the most powerful positions in the nation’s energy landscape. The unfolding saga will be closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to holding high-profile figures accountable for alleged financial misconduct.
Source: Original Report from EFCC