$14.86m Fraud: EFCC tells Sylva, ‘You’re wanted, appear for questioning’

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has challenged former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to appear before it for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale gave the directive on Monday after Sylva accused the commission of becoming a political tool of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC’s position came on the same day Sylva announced his resignation from the APC, citing consultations with his family, associates and political allies.

In his resignation letter, dated August 31, 2026, Sylva accused the party of drifting away from the ideals that informed its creation and expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the APC-led Federal Government.

“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” he said.

The former governor said he was unwilling to remain in a party whose leadership, according to him, had adopted the philosophy that “all is fair in politics.”

He also faulted the Federal Government for failing to deliver on the expectations of Nigerians.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” Sylva wrote.

‘EFCC now acts like APC organ’

Sylva’s resignation letter contained a direct attack on the EFCC, which he accused of abandoning its role as a state institution and becoming politicised.

“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State,” he alleged.

He acknowledged that his decision to quit the APC could result in greater pressure from the anti-graft agency but said he was prepared to accept the consequences.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he stated.

Wanted since November 2025

The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 in connection with an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion case involving $14,859,257.

Beyond the EFCC case, Sylva is also facing a separate 13-count charge concerning an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration.

The allegations in that case include treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.

Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

The matter remains pending before the court, and no conviction has been entered against him in relation to the allegations.

With Oyewale’s latest statement, the EFCC has reiterated that Sylva, who remains wanted by the commission, is expected to present himself for questioning over the alleged $14.86 million fraud case.

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