Abuja, Nigeria – An arrest warrant has been issued for Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, amid allegations of corruption, DZWatch has learned. The warrant stems from accusations of conspiracy and the illicit diversion of approximately $14.8 million.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian anti-graft agency, the funds in question are linked to an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, as part of a refinery construction project.
The anti-corruption body stated that it obtained a court order from the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6th, authorizing Sylva’s arrest and subsequent investigation. The agency has urged citizens to report any information regarding his whereabouts to their offices or the nearest police station.
Sylva served as Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also previously held the position of Governor of Bayelsa State.
DZWatch has been unable to reach Mr. Sylva for comment at this time. The court order reportedly instructs security agencies to assist in bringing him before the anti-corruption commission to answer the criminal charges leveled against him.
This development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its vital petroleum sector.
