Outrage Over ‘Wanted’ Notice for Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency EFCC has issued a “wanted notice” for former oil minister Timipre Sylva
Timipre Sylva over allegations of diverting $15 million in public funds meant for an oil refinery. Sylva’s spokesperson denied the claims, calling the move politically motivated, and said the ex-minister is in the UK for medical treatment.
An arrest warrant issued against Nigeria's former oil minister, Timipre Silva, by the country's anti-corruption agency is politically motivated, his spokesperson has said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accuses Silva and others of diverting nearly $15m (£11m) in public funds earmarked for the construction of an oil refinery.
It has issued a "wanted notice" on social media, asking anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Silva's spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said the former minister is in the UK for a medical check-up and will contact the EFCC upon his return. He added that the refinery project was entirely legitimate and that "traceable documentation" exists for it.
"The refinery project in question is a legitimate, transparent, and verifiable undertaking," he said.
He questioned why the EFCC had not contacted the former minister directly – and said declaring him wanted on social media was intended to "incite public sentiment."
According to the EFCC, its notice follows a warrant issued last Thursday by a high court in Lagos.
Silva served as petroleum minister under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023 – and was also governor of the southern oil-rich Bayelsa state from 2007 to 2012.
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