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 made the disclosure on Monday in response to allegations by Sylva that the anti-graft agency had allowed itself to be used as a political tool 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 what he said were consultations with his family, associates and political allies.
In his resignation letter, dated August 31, 2026, Sylva accused the APC leadership of abandoning the principles on which the party was founded and criticised the performance of the APC-led Federal Government.
The former governor, a founding member of the party, said he was “deeply saddened” by what he described as the abandonment of the ideals that brought the APC together.
Sylva also accused the government of failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians, arguing that he could see neither a credible attempt nor the possibility of a meaningful change in direction.
He singled out the EFCC, alleging that the commission had become increasingly politicised and was operating more as an arm of the APC than as a state institution.
Sylva said he was aware that his resignation could trigger further pressure from the anti-graft agency but maintained that he was prepared to face the consequences.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
He has denied wrongdoing.
The former governor is also facing a separate 13-count charge over an alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The charges include treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.
Sylva has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
Neither the fraud allegations nor the separate criminal charges have resulted in a conviction against him.
The latest statement from the EFCC indicates that the commission still expects Sylva, who remains on its wanted list, to appear for questioning as investigations into the alleged financial offences continue.
