The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to present himself for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale disclosed this on Monday while responding to allegations by Sylva that the anti-graft agency had allowed itself to be used as a political instrument by the All Progressives Congress.
Oyewale said Sylva had already been declared wanted by the commission and should make himself available for questioning.
The development came shortly after Sylva announced his resignation from the APC, citing extensive consultations with his family, associates and political allies.
In his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, the former governor accused the APC leadership of abandoning the principles on which the party was founded. He also criticised the performance of the APC-led Federal Government, saying it had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, expressed disappointment over what he described as the erosion of the party’s founding ideals and said he could no longer remain in an organisation whose leadership appeared to operate on the principle that political expediency justified any action.
He also accused the EFCC of becoming increasingly politicised, alleging that the commission had conducted itself more like an organ of the APC than an independent state institution.
The former governor acknowledged that his decision to leave the party could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny by the anti-graft agency, but said he was prepared to face any consequences arising from the move.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
The former governor is also facing a separate 13-count charge over an alleged plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The charges include treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.
Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot. The matter remains before the court, and Sylva has not been convicted of any of the allegations against him.
The EFCC’s latest position makes clear that the commission expects the former governor, who remains on its wanted list, to report for questioning in connection with the alleged $14.86 million fraud.
