The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to present himself for questioning following his recent resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale issued the challenge on Monday, emphasizing that the former governor has already been officially declared wanted by the anti-graft agency.
Sylva’s troubles with the commission stem from an ongoing investigation into an alleged $14.86 million fraud involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion.
In addition to the financial charges, he is listed as a defendant in a 13-count federal charge regarding an alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while a Federal High Court in Abuja also granted an interim forfeiture order for nine properties linked to him.
The latest friction escalated after Sylva formally resigned from the APC via a letter addressed to his ward chairman in Brass Local Government Area.
In his resignation note, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources heavily criticized President Tinubu’s administration and the ruling party, stating that they had disappointed Nigerians and abandoned their founding ideals.
Explaining his decision to copy the EFCC on his resignation letter, Sylva accused the anti-corruption body of partisan bias.
He claimed that the commission functions more as an arm of the ruling party than an objective state institution, adding that he anticipated a “redoubled witch-hunt” against himself and his associates for speaking out.
Despite facing severe legal battles, including the November 2025 wanted declaration and subsequent property forfeiture orders, Sylva has continuously maintained his innocence.
He has denied any involvement in a plot against the government and remains unconvicted, even as the EFCC insists he must clear his name by appearing before the commission.
