EFCC Declares Ex-Governor Sylva Wanted Over $14.86m Fraud Allegation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called upon Timipre Sylva, who previously governed Bayelsa State, to report for questioning in connection with alleged fraud totaling $14.86 million. On August 31, 2026, a Monday, agency representative Dele Oyewale issued this summons.

The timing proved significant: it arrived mere hours after Sylva's public resignation announcement from the All Progressives Congress. An earlier declaration of Sylva as wanted had been issued in November 2025, based on charges involving conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of funds.

Sylva's departure from the APC included pointed criticism leveled at the anti-graft agency. He maintained that instead of serving as an autonomous state body, the commission functioned as a tool of those in power.

His letter announcing withdrawal, sent to APC officials at the Ward 4 level in Brass Local Government Area, attributed his decision to political betrayal. Significantly, he also forwarded this same letter directly to the EFCC leadership—a step that proved immediately consequential, triggering the agency's fresh demand for his appearance.

Prior to these recent events, Sylva held the position of Bayelsa governor throughout the 2007–2012 period and later served under former President Muhammadu Buhari as petroleum minister in a state capacity. The charges he faces include thirteen counts in federal court; authorities list him among defendants still classified as at large.

Beyond the financial crime allegations, his indictment encompasses accusations relating to money laundering and conspiracy connected to an alleged coup scheme. When confronted with Sylva's accusations of institutional partiality, the EFCC responded decisively.

Oyewale underscored that the agency remained committed to obtaining Sylva's presence for questioning. The convergence of his party exit with the renewed summons—both dated identically—has brought political and judicial matters into sharp focus within Nigeria's landscape.