A spokesperson for Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a “politically motivated” warrant declaring the ex-minister wanted.
The EFCC on Thursday, November 6, 2025, published a “wanted notice” on social media, accusing Sylva and several others of conspiring and dishonestly converting $14.8 million — funds allegedly earmarked for the construction of a refinery by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
According to the EFCC, the notice was issued following a High Court order in Lagos. The commission urged the public to assist in locating Sylva, who it claimed was evading arrest.
However, Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, dismissed the accusations, insisting that the refinery project in question was “legitimate, transparent, and verifiable.”
“The refinery project is a legitimate, traceable, and fully documented undertaking. The EFCC’s approach is clearly intended to inflame public sentiment,” Bokoru said.
He explained that Sylva is currently in the United Kingdom for medical treatment and has every intention of cooperating with the anti-graft agency upon his return.
Bokoru also criticized the EFCC for failing to reach out directly to Sylva before declaring him wanted.
“There was no prior communication with him. The EFCC’s decision to make this public declaration on social media is purely political,” he added.
Timipre Sylva, 61, is a former governor of Bayelsa State (2007–2012) and later served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023 under late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC insists it remains committed to recovering public funds and ensuring accountability in government projects.
