By Julian Osamoto
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to appear for questioning over an alleged $14.86m fraud case.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said on Monday, that Sylva should make himself available to the commission after it declared him wanted in connection with the investigation. “He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
Sylva has denied wrongdoing and accused the anti-corruption agency of acting as an organ of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the allegation on Monday, as he announced his resignation from the ruling party.
Sylva said he copied the EFCC on his resignation letter because he believed the commission had become increasingly political. He also alleged that his resignation could lead to further investigations against him and his associates.
The former governor said the APC had abandoned the principles on which it was founded and accused the federal government of failing to meet Nigerians’ expectations.
His resignation comes as he faces other legal proceedings linked to an alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Sylva is listed as a defendant in a 13-count federal case involving allegations including treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering. He has denied involvement in the alleged plot.
In May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order covering nine properties linked to Sylva following an EFCC application.
The former governor served in office in Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 and later became Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
