By George Ozalla
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, wanted over alleged involvement in a case of conspiracy, corruption, and dishonest conversion of public funds amounting to $14,859,257.
According to an official statement from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Sylva is being sought in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation concerning the alleged diversion of funds belonging to the Federal Government during his tenure in office. The agency urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency nationwide.
The anti-graft commission further noted that efforts to bring Sylva in for questioning had proved unsuccessful, as he allegedly evaded repeated invitations to clarify his role in the financial transactions under probe. Sources within the Commission hinted that the former governor might have fled the country shortly after learning of renewed investigations into his administration’s financial records and certain oil sector dealings traced to his tenure.
Sylva, who served as Bayelsa State governor between 2007 and 2012 before his appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the Buhari administration, has long been a prominent figure in the nation’s oil and gas politics. His tenure was marked by both praise for industry reforms and controversy over alleged financial improprieties.
The EFCC, in reiterating its commitment to fighting corruption at all levels, emphasized that no individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, would be shielded from accountability. The Commission assured Nigerians that due process would be followed in pursuing the case, even as it continues to work with local and international partners to trace the funds in question.
Sylva’s political associates have remained largely silent since the declaration, though sources close to him have dismissed the development as politically motivated. As of the time of filing this report, the former minister’s exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Timipre Sylva, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a one-time governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, previously faced corruption charges that were later withdrawn in 2015.
