LunagisthubEFCC Declares Former Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.8 Million Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. The funds were reportedly provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The EFCC alleges that Sylva, who also served as the former Governor of Bayelsa State, diverted the funds meant for the construction of a refinery. A Federal High Court in Lagos granted a warrant for his arrest on November 6, 2025, after the EFCC approached the court with evidence of the alleged fraud.
This development comes after the House of Representatives resolved to probe the alleged mismanagement of a $35 million investment by the NCDMB in a modular refinery project. The investigation was prompted by concerns over the non-existence of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, despite a significant federal investment made five years ago.
Sylva has been in the news recently after his Abuja residence was raided by the military on October 25 over alleged involvement in an attempted coup. His younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver, was arrested.
The EFCC is urging anyone with information on Sylva’s whereabouts to contact their offices or the nearest police station. With a warrant for his arrest, Sylva may face questioning over the alleged fraud. As the investigation unfolds, more details are likely to emerge about the alleged corruption and the fate of the refinery project .
Would you like to know more about the EFCC’s investigation into Timipre Sylva or the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited project?
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