The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently declared Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. The commission secured a warrant for his arrest on November 6th, 2025, at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, directing law enforcement agents to apprehend Sylva and bring him before the commission to answer the charges against him.
The EFCC’s statement noted that the alleged funds were part of an investment injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. This investment was aimed at constructing a modular refinery to boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity and promote indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
In response to the EFCC’s declaration, Timipre Sylva has broken his silence, expressing surprise at the accusations. He questioned how the case was escalated without his prior knowledge or invitation to respond. Sylva emphasized his commitment to transparency and cooperation with all legal processes. “I am shocked by the manner the allegations were handled without any form of communication or invitation to present my side,” Sylva stated in a public response.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, urged anyone with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact their zonal offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies. The commission emphasized that the arrest is to enable Sylva to respond to the criminal offense he is alleged to have committed.
Sylva’s arrest warrant was issued by Justice D.I. Dipeolu, who ordered that an arrest be effected by any EFCC officer, police, or any law enforcement official. This development has sent ripples through the political landscape, considering Sylva’s significant roles—including his tenure as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 under the Buhari administration and his previous governorship in Bayelsa State.
The EFCC’s move highlights intensified efforts to tackle financial crimes related to Nigeria’s critical petroleum sector. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s involvement underscores the government’s focus on accountability in its push for indigenous refinery projects.
The former minister remains at large as the EFCC continues its search, while the public awaits further legal proceedings in the case.
