’Fraud’: EFCC summons ex-governor Timipre Sylva

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to make himself available for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.

The directive was issued on Monday by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, while responding to Sylva’s criticism of the anti-graft agency and his allegation that the commission had become more of an organ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) than an institution of the Nigerian state.

Oyewale confirmed that Sylva had been declared wanted by the commission and urged the former governor to report to the EFCC.

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

Sylva resigns from APC

The EFCC’s directive came on the same day Sylva announced his resignation from the APC.

The former governor, who is also a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said he decided to leave the ruling party after consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.

In his resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva expressed disappointment over what he described as the abandonment of the principles upon which the party was founded.

“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 wrote.

Sylva further criticised what he described as the political philosophy of the party’s leadership, arguing that political considerations should not override basic standards of morality and decency.

“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration,” he stated.

Former governor attacks Tinubu administration

Sylva also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the government had disappointed Nigerians.

According to him, the current administration was formed under the banner of the APC he once supported but had failed to live up to the expectations of citizens.

“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 said.

Explaining his decision to leave the party, the former governor described the APC as a “floundering ship” whose future, in his assessment, had been compromised.

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.

Sylva added that he believed Nigerians would make their position known at the next election.

“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he stated.

Sylva accuses EFCC of political witch-hunt

The former governor also directly criticised the EFCC in his resignation letter, explaining why he deliberately copied the anti-graft agency in the correspondence.

Sylva accused the commission of conducting itself like a political arm of the APC rather than an independent state institution.

“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.

He acknowledged that his criticism could lead to increased scrutiny from the commission but said he was prepared to face 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,” Sylva stated.

EFCC wanted Sylva since 2025

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

The commission’s latest directive indicates that the former governor remains expected to present himself before investigators in connection with the allegations.

Sylva, however, has maintained his innocence and has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

Former governor faces separate 13-count charge

Beyond the EFCC investigation, Sylva is also listed as a defendant in a 13-count charge filed at the Federal High Court.

The case reportedly arose from an alleged plot against the administration of President Tinubu.

Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

The allegations remain matters before the courts, and no conviction has been entered against the former governor in relation to the cases.

EFCC secures interim forfeiture order

In another development involving Sylva, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order in May 2026 covering nine properties linked to the former governor.

The order followed an application by the EFCC as part of its investigation into the allegations involving Sylva.

The latest development has therefore placed the former Bayelsa governor at the centre of renewed legal and political scrutiny, coming on the same day he announced his exit from the ruling APC and launched a strong criticism of the Federal Government and the anti-graft agency.