The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted in connection with an alleged $14,859,257 fraud.
According to the EFCC, Sylva is accused of 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.
The EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stated that Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and is wanted pursuant to a November 6, 2025, warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court.
The commission has appealed to the public to provide any information on Sylva’s whereabouts, and has listed contact details for its offices across the country.
Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, had earlier dismissed claims that he fled the country to evade questioning, stating that he was abroad for a routine medical check-up and professional engagement.
Bokoru also alleged that Sylva’s Abuja home was raided
by security personnel, who caused significant damage and failed to provide any clear reason or authorization for their actions.
