EFCC Declares Former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.8 Million Fraud
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Timipre Sylva who is the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was declared by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged $14.8 million fraud (≈ ₦21.6 billion Using the approximate exchange rate of ₦1,456 per US $1 ), according to reports from TheCable, BusinessDay, and Reuters.
The EFCC said the case involves funds reportedly invested by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd, a refinery project in which Sylva is alleged to have had business interests.
A Federal High Court in Lagos issued a warrant of arrest on November 6, 2025, authorising law enforcement to locate and detain Sylva for questioning, TheCable reported. The EFCC has also urged the public to provide information that could assist in his arrest.
Background and Allegations
Timipre Sylva, a veteran Nigerian politician, served as Governor of Bayelsa State between 2007 and 2012 before being appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC alleges that $14,859,257 from the NCDMB investment fund was misappropriated during the refinery project. Officials say the funds were meant to boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity, but were “dishonestly converted” for unauthorised purposes.
Sylva has not been convicted, and as of this report, he has not publicly responded to the EFCC’s latest statement.
Coup Allegation Reports and Denial
In a separate development, Premium Times reported that Sylva’s name appeared in online discussions linking him to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The former minister, however, has denied any involvement, stating that he was out of the country for medical reasons and official engagements when security operatives raided his Abuja residence.
The Nigerian military has not issued any official comment regarding that alleged incident.
The EFCC’s declaration adds another chapter to Nigeria’s long-running campaign against corruption in public office. Legal analysts say the case underscores renewed efforts by anti-graft agencies to recover misused funds and hold former public officials accountable.
Observers note that the development could have political implications, given Sylva’s influence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the energy sector. International watchdogs such as Transparency International have urged Nigerian authorities to ensure due process in all proceedings related to the case.
The EFCC has reiterated that its investigation is ongoing and that the former minister remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
No formal court trial has yet been scheduled, and it is unclear whether Sylva is currently in Nigeria or abroad.
Editorial Disclaimer
This report is based on verified publications from TheCable, BusinessDay, Premium Times, Reuters, and Guardian Nigeria.
All allegations mentioned are claims under investigation, and Mr Timipre Sylva remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Chriz Joe 
