In a significant development in Nigeria's ongoing battle against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared Timipre Sylva, the former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, a wanted person. This announcement, made public through an official notice, stems from serious allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of a staggering $14,859,257. The funds in question were reportedly part of investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into a private refinery project. The EFCC's move underscores the agency's relentless pursuit of high-profile figures accused of financial misconduct, particularly those with ties to the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The EFCC's statement, signed by its spokesman Dele Oyewale, provides detailed insights into the case. According to the agency, Sylva, who is 61 years old and hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, is implicated in a scheme involving the misappropriation of funds intended for the construction of a refinery by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. The NCDMB, a body established under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act to promote local content in the petroleum sector, had injected these funds as part of efforts to boost indigenous participation in refining and petrochemical activities. However, the EFCC alleges that a portion of this money—precisely $14,859,257—was diverted through conspiracy and dishonest means, depriving the project and, by extension, the Nigerian public of rightful benefits.
This declaration is not arbitrary; it is backed by a warrant issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. The warrant authorizes the EFCC to apprehend Sylva and bring him to justice, highlighting the judicial endorsement of the anti-graft body's investigations. The notice includes Sylva's photograph for easy identification, a standard procedure in such declarations to alert the public and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The EFCC has cast a wide net for information on Sylva's whereabouts, urging citizens to report any leads to its various zonal offices across the country. These include locations in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and the headquarters in Abuja. For those preferring digital or telephonic channels, the commission provided a dedicated hotline at 08093322644 and an email address: info@efcc.gov.ng. Additionally, tips can be forwarded to the nearest police station or other security agencies, emphasizing a collaborative approach to law enforcement in tackling fugitive suspects.
Timipre Sylva's political career has been marked by prominence and controversy. He served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His tenure as governor was punctuated by legal battles, including a brief removal from office in 2008 over election irregularities, though he was later reinstated. Sylva's appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023 placed him at the heart of Nigeria's oil industry, a sector plagued by allegations of corruption, oil theft, and mismanagement. During his ministerial stint, he oversaw key aspects of petroleum policy, including efforts to reform the sector amid global energy transitions and domestic challenges like fuel subsidies.
The current allegations tie directly into Sylva's post-gubernatorial activities. The Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited project was touted as a private-sector initiative to establish a modular refinery in Bayelsa, aligning with federal government pushes for local refining capacity to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported petroleum products. The NCDMB's involvement was meant to ensure compliance with local content laws, providing funding and oversight. However, the EFCC claims that Sylva, leveraging his influence and connections, conspired to convert a significant chunk of these funds for personal or unauthorized purposes. This case adds to a growing list of probes into refinery-related scandals, where public funds earmarked for infrastructure often vanish into private pockets.
Nigeria's anti-corruption landscape has seen intensified efforts under the EFCC, particularly targeting former governors and ministers. Sylva's declaration comes amid a broader crackdown on financial crimes in the oil sector, which contributes over 90% of the country's export revenues yet remains a hotbed for graft. The NCDMB, established in 2010, has been instrumental in awarding contracts and monitoring projects, but instances of fund diversion have raised questions about oversight mechanisms. If proven, Sylva's involvement could expose systemic vulnerabilities in how public institutions interface with private entities in strategic sectors like energy.
Public reaction to the news has been mixed, with some viewing it as a bold step toward accountability, while others speculate on political motivations, given Sylva's opposition affiliations and past rivalries. Bayelsa State, known for its oil wealth and environmental challenges from extraction activities, has produced several high-profile corruption cases. Sylva's predecessor and successor have faced similar scrutiny, painting a picture of entrenched issues in regional governance.
The EFCC's appeal for public assistance is a reminder of the role citizens play in combating corruption. In a country where whistleblowers have led to major recoveries—billions of naira in recent years—this case could yield significant breakthroughs if tips pour in. Security experts note that fugitives like Sylva, with vast networks, often evade capture by relocating within Nigeria or abroad, necessitating international cooperation through agencies like Interpol.
As the manhunt intensifies, questions linger about the full scope of the investigation. How deep does the conspiracy run? Were other officials or companies complicit? The Lagos High Court's warrant suggests substantial evidence has been gathered, possibly including financial trails, witness statements, and documentary proof of the fund transfers. Legal proceedings, once Sylva is apprehended, will likely involve charges under the EFCC Act, Money Laundering Prohibition Act, and possibly the Criminal Code for conspiracy.
This development reinforces the EFCC's mandate under Chairman Ola Olukoyede to pursue cases without fear or favor. Since its establishment in 2003, the commission has secured thousands of convictions and recovered assets worth trillions of naira. Sylva's case, involving over $14 million (approximately N24 billion at current exchange rates), could set precedents for handling refinery fund mismanagement.
In conclusion, the declaration of Timipre Sylva as wanted by the EFCC is a pivotal moment in Nigeria's anti-corruption drive. It highlights the perils of unchecked power in resource management and the imperative for transparency in public-private partnerships. As the nation awaits further updates, the call for information remains open, urging collective vigilance to ensure justice prevails. The outcome of this case may influence future investments in the petroleum sector and deter potential offenders in positions of authority.
