EFCC Declares Former Bayelsa Governor and Ex-Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14 Million Alleged Diversion
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Marlin Sylva, wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds amounting to $14,859,257 (approximately ₦21 billion). The announcement was made public on Monday, November 10, 2025, through the EFCC’s official social media handles.
Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, criticized the EFCC for failing to formally communicate with the former governor prior to the public declaration. According to Bokoru, Sylva is currently in the United Kingdom for medical check-ups and intends to honor the EFCC’s invitation upon his return. He also described the situation as a coordinated political attack, likening Sylva’s challenges to the trials of Job in the Bible.
The EFCC stated that anyone with useful information regarding Sylva’s whereabouts should report immediately to any of its offices. The anti-graft agency indicated that the warrant is connected to a Lagos State High Court order issued on November 6, 2025, requiring Sylva to appear before the Commission to respond to allegations of financial misconduct.
The alleged diversion involves funds allocated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery. Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the existence of the arrest warrant, quoting Justice D.I. Dipeolu, who authorized the warrant to ensure Sylva answers to the alleged criminal offences.
Background on Timipre Sylva
Timipre Sylva, born on July 7, 1964, in Brass, Bayelsa State, is a veteran Nigerian politician. He began his political career in 1992 as the youngest member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, representing the Brass Constituency. In 2004, he served as Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru.
Sylva later joined the PDP gubernatorial primaries in 2006 for Bayelsa State, finishing second behind Goodluck Jonathan. After Jonathan became Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s running mate in the presidential election, Sylva was elevated to PDP gubernatorial candidate and won the 2007 election. His victory faced legal challenges from Ebitimi Amgbare of the Action Congress, which culminated in the annulment of his election by the Appeal Court in April 2008. A new election in May 2008 saw Sylva re-elected, securing 588,204 votes out of approximately 598,000 cast.
He was sworn in again on May 27, 2008, but his tenure was eventually terminated on January 27, 2012, by the Supreme Court, pending a new election. In August 2019, Sylva was appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC’s declaration marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption among high-profile politicians and public officials. Observers are closely watching how Sylva’s case will proceed once he returns to Nigeria.
