The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
According to a public notice signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, the EFCC stated that Sylva is being sought in connection with funds allegedly injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery. The commission alleges that the money was unlawfully diverted for personal use.
The anti-graft agency explained that the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued on November 6, 2025, by the Lagos State High Court. It also urged members of the public with information on his whereabouts to contact its offices across the country or report to the nearest police station or security agency.
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However, this development may not be unconnected with recent reports alleging that funds from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), paid into companies linked to Sylva, were used to sponsor a rumored coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Although the EFCC has not officially confirmed this link, the timing of the warrant has fueled speculation about possible political and security dimensions surrounding the case.
Sources close to the presidency suggest that the federal government is closely monitoring the situation amid growing concerns about the misuse of public funds and possible threats to national stability.
As of press time, Sylva has not issued any public statement, and efforts to reach his media aides proved unsuccessful. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and the recovery of public funds allegedly misappropriated under his watch.
