‘$14.86m fraud’: Timipre Sylva should make himself available – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to make himself available 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 (APC).
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.
The development came shortly after Sylva announced his resignation from the APC following 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 upon which the party was founded and criticised 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.
Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, in his view, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics”.
He also faulted the Federal Government, arguing that it had failed to meet 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.
The former governor specifically accused the EFCC of becoming increasingly politicised, making the commission a central part of his resignation letter.
“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.
Sylva acknowledged that his decision to leave the APC could expose him and his associates to further scrutiny by the anti-graft agency but said he was prepared to face any 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.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
He is also facing a separate 13-count charge over an alleged plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The charges include alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.
Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot.
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