The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of public funds totaling $14,859,257.

In a statement released by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said Sylva is being sought in connection with funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.

According to the EFCC, the warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. The anti-graft agency urged members of the public with useful information about his whereabouts to report to the nearest EFCC office, police station, or any other relevant security agency.

The public notice also provided contact numbers and an official email for information sharing, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

Timipre Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He served as Governor of Bayelsa between 2007 and 2012 before being appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Sylva or his representatives regarding the EFCC’s declaration.