The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a nationwide alert, declaring former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy and misappropriation of nearly fifteen million U.S. dollars. The funds are believed to have been diverted from a federal project aimed at advancing Nigeria’s oil industry.

In a public notice issued Monday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale detailed that the funds, totaling $14,859,257, were initially released by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. This company was intended to facilitate the construction of a refinery and stimulate local industry growth, but authorities now suspect misuse of the funds.

The notice read, “The public is hereby notified that Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257—part of funds injected by the NCDMB into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for refinery construction.” 

Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. The notice emphasized that the EFCC’s action stems from a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025. The court’s order authorizes the commission or law enforcement agencies to arrest Sylva pending further investigation.

The EFCC is calling on the public and relevant authorities to assist in locating Sylva, urging anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact their offices in various cities—including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and others—or call the dedicated tip line at 08093322644. Additionally, they can reach out via email at [email protected] or report to the nearest police station.

Oyewale revealed that the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was obtained in Lagos by Justice D.I. Dipeolu, who authorized the commission to apprehend Sylva and ensure his appearance before the EFCC to answer to the allegations. The statement explained, “An order is made issuing a warrant to arrest the respondent for the purpose of bringing him before the commission to answer to the criminal offence you are alleged to have committed.”

This recent development comes amidst growing scrutiny over federal investments in the oil sector, particularly concerning a now-discredited $35 million investment in a modular refinery project that was meant to be situated in the Niger Delta. The House of Representatives had previously resolved to investigate the project following disclosures that the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, linked to Sylva, did not exist despite substantial federal funding.

Member of the House, Billy Osawaru, who brought the issue to the chamber’s attention, expressed concern over the apparent misappropriation of funds and the lack of transparency, stating that stakeholders petitioned EFCC in May 2024 about NCDMB’s investments, but the agency had since remained silent.

In addition to the financial controversy, Sylva's recent troubles escalated earlier this month when his Abuja residence was raided by the military on October 25. The raid was reportedly connected to allegations of involvement in an attempted coup, though details remain classified. During the operation, his younger brother, Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with the family’s driver, was detained.

The simultaneous revelations of alleged financial misconduct and the military raid have brought Sylva’s political and personal affairs under intense scrutiny. As investigations unfold, Nigerian authorities and the civil society await further developments in this high-profile case that continues to grip the public and political spheres alike.