EFCC Demands Timipre Sylva Appear Over Fraud Allegation

On September 1, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called on former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to present himself for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud. This demand came shortly after Sylva accused the EFCC of functioning as an extension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026.

Sylva, who also served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, criticized the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The EFCC had previously declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 for conspiracy and dishonest conversion related to funds allegedly misappropriated from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) intended for local refining capacity.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025. The EFCC reminded Sylva of his wanted status following his resignation letter, which he copied to the agency.