Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the agency for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
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The EFCC made the demand on Monday after Sylva announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress and accused the anti-graft agency of becoming politically aligned with the ruling party.
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The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said Sylva should make himself available to investigators, noting that the former governor had already been declared wanted in connection with the case.
Sylva resigned from the APC on Monday, ending his membership of the party after several years as one of its founding members. He sent copies of his resignation letter to the APC leadership, the EFCC and the party’s Bayelsa State chapter.
In the letter, Sylva criticised the direction of the APC and the performance of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu. He said the party had moved away from the principles that led to its formation and that he could no longer remain a member.
The former governor also accused the EFCC of acting in a political manner. He said he was aware that his decision to leave the APC could lead to more pressure from the commission, but maintained that he was prepared to take that risk.
The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of about $14.86 million.
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The former minister of state for petroleum resources has also been linked to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration. He is listed as a defendant in a 13-count federal case involving allegations of treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.
The allegations surrounding the alleged plot have not been proved in court, and Sylva has denied any involvement.
Investigators have reportedly accused Sylva of helping to finance the alleged operation through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based company. About N785 million was allegedly traced through the company and a bureau de change operator.
Authorities also reportedly linked money paid into Purple Waves to contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission and loans secured by the company.
Sylva reportedly left Nigeria after the investigation into the alleged plot became public. Reports also said he delayed plans to return after security operatives raided his Abuja residence and arrested some of his associates.
In July 2026, five associates of the former governor were brought before a court by the Department of State Services over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
Earlier, in May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order over nine properties allegedly linked to Sylva following an application by the EFCC.
Despite the various allegations, no conviction has been recorded against the former governor in the cases.
Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State between 2007 and 2012 before later becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His latest confrontation with the EFCC comes as he breaks away from the APC and as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather pace.
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