The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with an alleged financial crime involving $14,859,257.
According to a statement released by the EFCC on Monday, the funds in question were part of an injection by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery. Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The EFCC’s notice, signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, follows a November 6, 2025, warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court. Sylva is alleged to have engaged in conspiracy and dishonest conversion of the funds.
The anti-graft agency has urged members of the public to assist in locating Sylva. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact EFCC offices in cities including Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, Abuja, or the nearest police station. Tips can also be sent via phone at 08093322644 or email at [info@efcc.gov.ng].
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The EFCC reiterated that the public notice aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of government-related funds and urged cooperation in bringing the former governor to justice.
