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, after he accused the commission of operating as an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made the demand on Monday while reacting to Sylva’s allegation that the anti-graft agency had become politically aligned with the ruling party.
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.
Sylva accused the EFCC of political bias shortly after announcing his resignation from the APC.
In his resignation letter dated August 31 and addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva said he deliberately copied the EFCC because of what he described as the commission’s increasing political involvement.
“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 wrote.
The former governor also criticised the APC-led Federal Government, accusing it of failing to meet Nigerians’ expectations.
He said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders had, in his view, abandoned the principles upon which the APC was founded.
Sylva’s resignation came amid the EFCC’s continued efforts to secure his appearance over the alleged financial offence.
The commission declared him wanted in November 2025 over an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
According to the EFCC, the funds were provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
The commission alleged that Sylva was involved in the handling of the funds, an allegation he has denied.
The EFCC has previously dismissed claims that its investigation of the former governor was politically motivated. Oyewale said in November 2025 that Sylva had been under investigation for some time and was declared wanted after allegedly jumping administrative bail.
The financial investigation is separate from another case in which Sylva has been linked to an alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He is listed as a defendant in a 13-count charge involving alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering. Sylva has denied the allegations and has not been convicted.
In May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order covering nine properties allegedly linked to Sylva following an application by the EFCC.
The court directed that the order be published to enable interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
Sylva has remained outside Nigeria amid the investigations. He left the country after the alleged plot became public and later suspended plans to return following a raid on his Abuja residence and the arrest of some of his associates.
The EFCC has now reiterated that Sylva must appear before the commission for questioning, while the former governor maintains that the actions against him are politically motivated.
The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
