EFCC Declares Ex-Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.86m Alleged Fraud

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister and Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva wanted over an alleged conspirac and misappropriation of $14.86 million linked to Atlantic International Refinery projects.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, November 10, 2025, declared former Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14.86 million.

The funds were reportedly part of investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.

According to EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest from a Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025. Justice D.I. Dipeolu authorized EFCC officers, police, or any law enforcement agent to arrest Sylva and bring him before the Commission to answer questions regarding the alleged offence.

“The order is made issuing a warrant to the Applicant or any Officer of the Commission, Police, or any law enforcement officer for the arrest of the Respondent for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed,” the court stated.

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The EFCC has appealed to the public to provide information about Sylva’s whereabouts and report to any of its zonal offices nationwide or the nearest police station.

In a related development, the anti-graft agency also adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, over alleged N80.2 billion fraud until Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

During Monday’s proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, four witnesses from Zenith Bank, Ecobank, Keystone Bank, and Access Bank testified, linking multiple withdrawals and payments from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account to various hotels and individuals.

Justice Nwite reviewed the exhibits and adjourned the trial to continue on Tuesday.