EFCC Summons Ex-Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva Over Alleged $14.86m Fraud

PHOTO CREDIT: The Sun Nigeria / File Photo
EFCC Summons Ex-Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva Over Alleged $14.86m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.

The directive was issued on Monday by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who stated: “He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission.”

The summons comes after Sylva announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. In a letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, Sylva said the decision followed consultations with family, associates and supporters.

Sylva, a founding member of the APC, said he could no longer remain in the party, alleging that its founding ideals had been abandoned. He also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the government formed under the party has disappointed Nigerians.

In his resignation letter, Sylva said he was deliberately copying the EFCC because, in his words, the commission has “conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State” and that his action may invite a witch-hunt.

The anti-graft agency had in November 2025 declared Sylva wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257. He is also listed as a defendant in a 13-count charge relating to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration, an allegation he has denied.

Sylva has not been convicted of the allegations. In May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order on nine properties linked to him following an application by the EFCC.
SOURCE: The Sun Nigeria