The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted. This declaration relates to an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds totaling $14,859,257 (Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven United States Dollars).

According to the EFCC, these funds were injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery. The anti-graft agency made the announcement public on Monday, sharing Mr. Sylva’s photograph across its platforms and through official statements.

The notice follows a warrant issued on November 6, 2025, by a Lagos State High Court (also referred to as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos). Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court reportedly ordered Sylva’s arrest, stating:
“An order is made issuing a warrant to the Applicant or any Officer of the Commission, Police, or any law enforcement officer for the arrest of the Respondent for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.”

Mr. Sylva, 61, hails from the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The EFCC has urged the public to provide any useful information regarding his whereabouts. Citizens can contact the Commission at its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, via telephone at 08093322644, or through the nearest police station or other security agencies.

This declaration comes amid other recent events involving Mr. Sylva. Soldiers reportedly raided his residences in Abuja and Bayelsa in October, arresting his brother. The operation was said to be part of an investigation into a failed plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, confirmed the raid, noting that considerable damage was inflicted on the property, but denied his client’s involvement in any coup attempt. Bokoru added that Mr. Sylva was not in the country during the raid and did not disclose when he plans to return. While over 30 suspects may face trial for the alleged coup attempt, it remains unclear whether Mr. Sylva is among those still at large.