The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, wanted over an alleged $14,859,257 fraud involving the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
This was made known on the commission’s Facebook official Page on Monday evening.
The EFCC notice, issued pursuant to a November 6, 2025 warrant by the Federal High Court in Lagos, accuses Sylva of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds meant for the construction of a refinery by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
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The Commission urged anyone with information on Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, or through its hotline and email info.
The public disclosure has sparked intense reactions on social media. Some Nigerians criticized the move as symbolic, arguing that high-profile suspects often evade justice. One commenter noted, “Even if he was caught physically today, he will still be released and go Scott free. So why are you publishing his name in the first place?” Another added, “As if EFCC don’t know how to get him if they want to, just want to let us know they’re working.”
Other social media users highlighted what they perceive as systemic inefficiencies in accountability, with one likening the hunt to “slapping a remote until it regains consciousness”.
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The EFCC’s latest move marks another high-profile step in its crackdown on financial crimes involving public officials.
Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at EFCC, did not comment beyond the official notice on the commissions Facebook page.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
