Ex-Gov. Timipre Sylva
By Sola Odunfa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared former Governor Timipre Sylva and the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, wanted.
EFCC stated that Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257.
A public notice signed by the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, reads as follows:
“The public is hereby notified that TIMIPRE SYLVA, a former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257.
“It is part of the funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery.
“Sylva, 61, is from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“This notice is pursuant to a November 6, 2025 warrant of the Lagos State High Court.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, florin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [email protected]
or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.”
It would be recalled that the former governor recently dismissed allegations linking him to an alleged coup plot to overthrow the President Bola Tinubu government, calling the reports false, baseless, and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, Sylva stated that he had no connection whatsoever to any coup-related activity, emphasising that he remained a committed democrat and loyal supporter of the President.
According to Bokoru, the rumours are part of a smear campaign by political opponents seeking to tarnish Sylva’s image ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The allegations are entirely false and malicious. Chief Timipre Sylva has no link to any coup plot.
“His record in politics and governance has been one of dialogue, peace, and democratic engagement,” the media aide said.
