The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to report to the commission for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
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The EFCC made the demand on Monday after Sylva accused the anti-graft agency of operating more like an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) than an independent government institution.
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The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said Sylva, who has already been declared wanted, should make himself available to investigators.
Sylva had earlier announced his resignation from the APC, saying the party had abandoned the principles on which it was founded and that he could no longer remain a member.
In his resignation letter, dated August 31, 2026, Sylva said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
The letter was addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and was delivered electronically. Copies were also sent to the APC national chairman, the EFCC chairman and the chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State.
Sylva said he was leaving the party because he believed its leadership had departed from the values that attracted him and other members to the organisation.
He also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had failed to meet the expectations of many Nigerians and that he could not see a credible effort to change its direction.
The former governor said his resignation was also influenced by his belief that political activities should not be conducted without regard for basic standards of decency and morality.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would use the 2027 general election to determine the future political direction of the country.
Sylva also explained why he copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, accusing the commission of becoming increasingly political.
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He said he was aware that his decision to leave the APC could result in greater pressure on him and people associated with him, but maintained that he was prepared to face the consequences.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.
His current legal troubles also include allegations connected to an alleged plot against the administration of President Tinubu.
Sylva is listed as a defendant in a 13-count charge filed by the Federal Government, involving allegations including treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering. He is described in the charge as being at large.
Reports have also linked him to an alleged financial network connected to the purported plot. Investigators reportedly accused him of providing about N785 million through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based company.
Authorities are also said to be investigating funds allegedly transferred through the company and a bureau de change operator. Investigators reportedly believe that more than N5 billion was gathered for the alleged operation.
The investigation has also examined funds allegedly connected to contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and loans obtained by Purple Waves.
Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot, and the allegations against him remain before the courts. He has not been convicted of the offences.
In July 2026, the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned five people accused of concealing Sylva’s whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with the investigation. 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.
Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, before later becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
With his resignation from the APC and the EFCC’s fresh demand for him to appear for questioning, Sylva now faces renewed political and legal pressure ahead of the 2027 elections.
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