The EFCC told former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva to turn himself in over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
Nigeria’s anti corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has issued a fresh order telling former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to report for questioning over a $14.86 million fraud case.
The official message was delivered on Monday, August 31, 2026, by the agency’s official spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
The fresh call came right after the former governor announced that he was resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress party and accused the anti corruption agency of taking sides with political leaders.
The main reason why the anti graft agency wants to question Timipre Sylva is to investigate claims that $14.86 million of public funds were stolen and illegally converted.
The former governor was previously declared wanted by the agency regarding these money allegations. Tensions rose after Sylva sent a formal resignation letter to his party leaders and copied the anti corruption agency, claiming that the agency was acting like a political weapon rather than an independent office protecting the country’s money.
The agency immediately responded by reminding him that he remains a wanted man who must come forward to face investigators and clear his name.
Timipre Sylva served as the governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 and later worked as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
See Also: Former APC Presidential Aspirant Adamu Garba Quits Active Politics
While the former governor stated that he expects more pressure and investigations following his exit from the ruling party, the agency insists that he must come to their office to answer the financial charges.
Responding directly to the former governor’s public claims against the anti corruption team, the official agency spokesperson explained that the politician needs to turn himself in. Answering questions about the accusations, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that “he has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission”.
Explaining why he sent a copy of his party resignation letter directly to the anti-corruption office, former governor Timipre Sylva shared his personal thoughts on the situation.
Writing in his official letter, Timipre Sylva stated that “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,” adding that “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”. The agency expects Timipre Sylva to present himself for questioning regarding the open fraud case.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
