The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud linked to funds meant for a refinery project.
In a statement released on Monday, Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, said Sylva is wanted for Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion 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.
According to the statement, the notice follows a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
> “The public is hereby notified that Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, 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 Limited for the construction of a Refinery,” the statement read.
Oyewale further revealed that Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and urged anyone with useful information regarding his whereabouts to contact the EFCC offices across the country or reach the Commission via 08093322644 or info@efcc.gov.ng.
The declaration comes amid recent reports by SaharaReporters alleging that Nigerian Army personnel raided Sylva’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, in connection with an alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Multiple security sources had confirmed that the special military team stormed Sylva’s home after intelligence linked the former governor to secret meetings allegedly held with some detained military officers. His brother, identified as Paga, was reportedly arrested during the operation, which also extended to Sylva’s residence in Bayelsa State.
However, Sylva has denied fleeing Nigeria, insisting he only travelled abroad for a routine medical check-up and professional engagement.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, the former minister condemned the raid on his home, claiming that the operation caused significant damage and that the officers involved provided no clear reason or authorisation for their actions.
> “Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. The officers did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently,” Bokoru stated.
The EFCC’s public notice marks another twist in the growing controversy surrounding Timipre Sylva, as investigations into both the alleged financial crime and the purported military links continue to unfold.
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