2026: List of 10 Wanted Persons by EFCC in Nigeria as Names and Photos Emerge
- EFCC declared former public officials Timipre Marlin Sylva and Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted for financial crimes and abuse of office
- In 2026, the EFCC is seeking several individuals, including Emeka Iheanacho, over alleged fraud and other purported criminal activities
- The ongoing crackdown reveals stark challenges in Nigeria's fight against corruption and financial malfeasance
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over nine years of experience covering anti-corruption in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) typically declares individuals wanted after they consistently evade lawful invitations, fail to cooperate with ongoing investigations, or are suspected of fleeing to avoid prosecution.
This procedure is a critical enforcement mechanism used primarily as a last resort.
Source: Twitter
2026: EFCC declares several people wanted
In this report, Legit.ng highlights 10 wanted persons in Nigeria as identified by the EFCC by 2026.
1) EFCC vs Timipre Sylva
In November 2025, the EFCC declared Timipre Sylva, a former minister of state for Petroleum Resources and ex-governor of Bayelsa state, wanted over an alleged $14.85 million fraud.
The commission announced the development on X, sharing Sylva’s photograph.
Sylva responded, saying the EFCC did not observe any protocol before declaring him wanted.
In a statement, Julius Bokoru, the special assistant on media and public affairs to Sylva, said the commission only took to social media to announce, “quite unceremoniously”, that it had declared the former minister wanted.
Five months later, Sylva was in the news again when the federal government filed a 13-count charge before the federal high court in Abuja against alleged plotters of a coup to oust President Bola Tinubu.
Among the suspects are Sylva, a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector and two others.
2) EFCC vs Sadiya Farouq
In May 2026, the EFCC declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, a former minister of humanitarian affairs and social development, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a statement shared on its website, the anti-graft agency said “anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact the EFCC offices through the number listed on the page.
Source: Facebook
3) Emeka Iheanacho's case with EFCC
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the EFCC declared Emeka Johnson Iheanacho wanted for alleged offences of obtaining money by false pretence and criminal conversion of funds.
The EFCC stated:
“The public is hereby notified that EMEKA JOHNSON IHEANACHO, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Criminal Conversion of Funds.”
It added that Iheanacho, 48, is an indigene of Abia state with his last known address at 17 Woodland Rise, Chilmington Green, Ashford, Kent, TN23 8AR, United Kingdom (UK).
The commission urged members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices across the country or contact it via 08093322644, email info@efcc.gov.ng, or the nearest police station and other security agencies.
4) Ogadima Duru and trouble with EFCC
Also, in early June, the EFCC declared Ogadima Dominic Duru wanted over alleged financial crimes, including obtaining money by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
This was contained in a notice issued by the head of media and publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale.
5) Khalidur Talukder's EFCC case
In the same vein, the EFCC declared Khalidur Talukder wanted for alleged offences of obtaining money by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
Talukder was said to reside at Devonshire House, 1 Mayfair Place, London W1J 8AJ, UK.
The commission reiterated its call for public cooperation in apprehending the suspect.
6) EFCC declares Halimat Tejuosho wanted
In April 2026, the EFCC declared an Abuja-based 41-year-old businesswoman, Halimat Tejuosho, wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
Ms Tejuosho, an Abuja society woman, is the founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited.
In a notice published on its website, the anti-graft agency said Ms Tejuosho, whose photograph accompanied the announcement, is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The commission identified her as an indigene of Lagos state, adding that her last known address is House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension in Abuja.
7) EFCC after Peiyuan Niu
The EFCC, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, declared Peiyuan Niu, a Chinese national, wanted in connection with an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
In a public notice, the agency said the last known address of Niu is 111 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos state.
The notice read, according to The Cable:
“The public is hereby notified that PEIYUAN NIU, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
“Niu, 40, is a Chinese national, and his last known address is 111, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos state.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest police station and other security agencies.”
8) EFCC against Jamilu Shaka
In late 2025, the EFCC declared Jamilu Shaka wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and unauthorised withdrawals.
EFCC's Oyewale stated in a notice published that Shaka is 37 years old, hails from Edo state, and currently resides in Kaduna state.
His last known address is listed as Sabon Bimi Street, opposite Abuja Street, Rega Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna.
The agency urged anyone with information on Shaka’s whereabouts to contact the EFCC at any of its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, or to report to the nearest police station or other security agency.
9) EFCC vs Christopher Enweremade
The EFCC, in September 2025, declared a former official of the Abia state government, Christopher Enweremadu, and a resident of Abia, Fortune Ozoemela, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, stealing, and money laundering.
Enweremadu is linked to an investigation into the management of funds allocated to Abia’s 17 local government councils, according to a report on Premium Times.
10) Abdullahi Bashir Haske vs EFCC
In late August 2025, the EFCC listed Adamawa-born entrepreneur, industrialist, and investor Abdullahi Bashir Haske as wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
In a swift reaction, Haske's legal team knocked the EFCC, describing the anti-graft agency's action as “a blatant act of illegality and abuse of process."
Meanwhile, checks on Sunday, June 7, show that 157 wanted persons are listed on the EFCC's official website. They can be viewed here, along with their pictures.
Read more on EFCC:
- Yahaya Bello vs EFCC: When Ex-Kogi governor will appear in court unveiled
- Yahaya Bello vs EFCC: Former Kogi governor asks court to adjourn case indefinitely, gives reason
- Fleeing former Governor Yahaya Bello requests transfer of EFCC case to Kogi state
EFCC arrests Nigerian socialite
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian socialite, Henry Ikeji, was arrested by the operatives of the EFCC for allegedly posing as the Crown Prince of Dubai to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of $2.5 million in a romance and humanitarian investment scam.
The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), whose investigation exposed the 31-year-old, shared the update.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
