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The EFCC has directed former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to make himself available for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case for which he was previously declared wanted.
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The anti-graft agency’s directive came hours after Sylva accused it of acting more like an organ of the APC than an institution of the Nigerian state in his resignation letter from the ruling party.
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EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said Sylva remained wanted by the commission and should report for questioning, following an arrest warrant issued by a Lagos State High Court.
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The commission alleges that $14.86 million linked to funds from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was dishonestly converted in connection with a refinery project involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
September 01, (THEWILL) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has challenged former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to make himself available for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud, hours after he accused the anti-graft agency of operating as an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The EFCC directive came on Monday in response to Sylva’s allegation contained in his resignation letter from the ruling party.
Asked to respond to Sylva’s claim that the commission had recently conducted itself “more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State,” EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the former governor should make himself available to the agency.
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.
Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, resigned his membership of the APC on Monday, August 31, 2026, saying he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had abandoned its founding ideals.
In the resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and accused the government of disappointing the “vast majority” of Nigerians.
But his decision to copy the EFCC in the letter triggered a fresh response from the commission, which reminded him that he remains wanted over an alleged financial crime.
Why EFCC Declared Sylva Wanted
The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
In a public notice issued at the time, the commission said the 61-year-old former governor was wanted over allegations concerning funds reportedly diverted from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery.
The declaration followed a warrant of arrest issued by the Lagos State High Court on November 6, 2025.
According to the EFCC, the former minister was being investigated over his alleged involvement in the management of public funds during his tenure as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
The commission alleged that the funds originated from contributions by the NCDMB intended to support the development of local refining capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence.
The anti-graft agency said the money was instead allegedly misappropriated.
At the time, the EFCC appealed to members of the public with information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its offices across the country or provide information through its official communication channels.
THEWILL recalls that the Federal High Court in Abuja had in May 2026, granted an interim forfeiture order covering nine properties linked to Sylva following an application by the EFCC.
Sylva Accuses EFCC Of Political Bias
In his resignation letter, Sylva deliberately copied the EFCC, saying his action was informed by his perception of the commission’s recent conduct.
“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.
The former governor acknowledged that the decision could expose him and his associates to what he described as a “redoubled witch-hunt,” but said he was prepared to take the risk.
“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.
The EFCC’s latest response effectively shifts the focus from Sylva’s political allegations against the commission back to the outstanding financial investigation for which he was declared wanted.
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Resignation Amid Alleged Plot Against Tinubu
Sylva’s exit from the APC also comes amid separate Federal Government allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu’s administration.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned several aides and associates of the former minister over allegations that they failed to provide information that could have assisted security agencies in locating and arresting him.
The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against seven suspects following investigations by the DSS and the Nigerian military.
The allegations include treasonable felony, conspiracy to overthrow the government, conspiracy to commit terrorism and other offences relating to national security.
Sylva is among those facing trial and is reportedly being tried in absentia before a Federal High Court in Abuja after allegedly evading arrest.
Other defendants include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Victor Erasmus Ochegobia, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
Some serving military officers allegedly connected to the purported plot are also facing separate court-martial proceedings.
Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 before becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was also the APC candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election, where he contested against incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
