Key Details of the Arrest Warrant for Timipre Sylva
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an arrest warrant for Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State. The commission has declared him wanted over an alleged $14.86 million fraud involving funds from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
In a recent statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Sylva is being sought for his alleged involvement in conspiracy and dishonest conversion of NCDMB funds. These funds were part of an investment made by the board into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. The purpose of this investment was to construct a modular refinery aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s local refining capacity and promoting indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
The EFCC secured the arrest warrant on November 6, 2025, from Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The court order instructed any EFCC officer, police, or law enforcement agent to arrest Sylva and present him before the commission to answer to the criminal offense he is accused of committing.
Steps Taken by the EFCC
The commission has urged anyone with information about Sylva’s whereabouts to reach out to any of its zonal offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies. This call for assistance highlights the importance of public cooperation in tracking down individuals suspected of financial crimes.
The statement from the EFCC emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva wanted. Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 (Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Seven United States Dollars), being part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery.”
The commission also noted that the arrest warrant was secured on November 6, 2025, at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The order granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu stated:
“An 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.”
Background on Timipre Sylva
Timipre Sylva served as a Minister between 2019 and 2023 and was the APC’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election. His political career has been marked by several high-profile roles, making this latest development particularly significant.
Context of the EFCC’s Actions
This declaration comes amid the EFCC’s renewed focus on combating corruption, especially among high-profile individuals. The agency has been intensifying its efforts to recover public funds and hold politically exposed persons accountable for their actions. This case underscores the commission’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public office.
Public Response and Next Steps
As the EFCC continues its investigation, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and provide any relevant information that could aid in locating Sylva. The commission’s call for assistance reflects the collaborative nature of such legal proceedings and the critical role that citizens play in supporting justice.