The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before its investigators in connection with an alleged $14.86 million financial crime.
The request was disclosed by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday while reacting to accusations made by Sylva against the anti-graft agency.
Sylva had alleged that the EFCC was being influenced by political interests and had increasingly become an instrument of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding to the allegation, Oyewale said the former governor remains wanted by the commission and should come forward to address the issues for which he is being investigated.
The development occurred on the same day Sylva announced his resignation from the APC after consultations with his family, political associates and other allies.
In his resignation letter, dated August 31, 2026, the former governor expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the ruling party, claiming that the principles that led to its creation had been significantly abandoned.
Sylva recalled his role as one of the party’s founding members and said he had invested both resources and effort into building the APC.
He expressed regret that the values which brought members together had, in his view, been replaced by a political culture where anything was considered acceptable in the pursuit of political interests.
The former governor also criticised the Federal Government, arguing that the APC administration had failed to adequately address the concerns and expectations of Nigerians.
He said he had seen little evidence of a genuine effort to change course and expressed doubt that the government could successfully undertake a meaningful turnaround.
Sylva devoted part of his letter to his concerns about the EFCC, accusing the commission of compromising its neutrality.
He alleged that the agency had recently conducted its affairs in a manner that made it appear more closely aligned with the APC than with its responsibility as a state institution.
The former governor deliberately copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, explaining that he wanted the commission to be aware of his position.
He also acknowledged that quitting the ruling party could expose him and people associated with him to further investigation or pressure.
Despite the possibility of increased scrutiny, Sylva said he was prepared to bear whatever consequences might arise from his decision to leave the APC.
The EFCC had earlier declared him wanted in November 2025 over allegations involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds totalling $14,859,257.
Sylva is also involved in another legal battle involving a 13-count charge over an alleged attempt to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The separate case includes allegations bordering on treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.
The former governor has denied the accusations and rejected claims linking him to the alleged plot.
The matter is still being heard by the court, and Sylva remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
With the latest statement from the EFCC, the commission has reaffirmed that the former governor remains wanted and is expected to submit himself for questioning over the alleged $14.86 million financial offence.
