The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has escalated its pursuit of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, by placing him on the watchlists of global security agencies, including the FBI, Interpol, the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, and Canadian authorities.
The move follows Sylva’s earlier declaration as wanted by the EFCC over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the funds were provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for investment in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
A senior EFCC source confirmed to Punch that the case has been ongoing for several years.
“The case has been on for a long time. The former minister was visiting our office until he later stopped cooperating. Now that we have declared him wanted, he has also been placed on the watchlists of the US FBI, Interpol, and other security agencies,” the source said.
The EFCC secured a Federal High Court arrest warrant against Sylva on November 6, 2025. Justice D. I. Dipeolu granted the order, directing security agencies to arrest Sylva and bring him before the EFCC to answer the allegations.
The commission’s move underscores its intensified efforts to track fugitives accused of economic crimes and ensure they face justice both domestically and internationally.