By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly exploring legal avenues to arraign the former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in absentia.
This development follows the commission’s inability to secure the physical appearance of the former minister to answer charges involving an alleged $14.8 million (approx. ₦24.5 billion) fraud.
The core of the EFCC’s case centered on the alleged conspiracy and “dishonest conversion” of funds amounting to $14,859,257.
According to the anti-graft agency, these funds were part of an investment by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) intended for the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
Investigators claim the funds were diverted from their original purpose, prompting a high-stakes probe into the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources during Sylva’s tenure.
Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Nigerian law generally requires a defendant to be present for their plea to be taken.
However, legal experts noted that the EFCC is likely leveraging specific provisions that allow trials to proceed in exceptional circumstances—particularly when a defendant has been declared wanted or is perceived to be evading justice.
Recall that Sylva was officially declared wanted by the EFCC on November 10, 2025, after several failed attempts to locate him.
Top officers of the Department of State Services and the EFCC who spoke with the press revealed that the International Criminal Police Organisation and other Nigerian partners in the war against crime were currently trailing the former governor.
“Interpol was contacted immediately after the former governor was declared wanted. Apart from the EFCC, the service is also after him. He can’t hide forever. He should submit himself for investigation if he is indeed innocent.
“Nnamdi Kanu was out of the country for a while, thinking he was off the radar. But where is he today? We will also get Sylva,” said a DSS operative knowledgeable about the matter.
Similarly, an EFCC officer, who spoke with the press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that Sylva would be arraigned.
“He is still on our wanted list. We are looking for the right time to arraign him. However, investigations are ongoing. We are building our case against him and, when concluded, he will be charged,” the source said.
Asked if the commission would proceed to court before his apprehension, the source said Sylva could be arraigned in absentia.
“It is possible, and the law makes provision for it. However, we have not concluded that this is the option we will take. But legally, it is possible,” he added.
“When a suspect of such status is declared wanted, all our partners around the world are placed on notice. Wherever he is, he will be traced. The right thing to do is to turn yourself in,” he added.
Recall also that Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided on October 25, 2025, by operatives of the DIA.
Sylva was out of the country at the time his house was raided. Still, his younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver, was arrested during the operation.
