EFCC summons ex-gov Sylva: Wanted over $14.86m fraud, told to turn himself in
By: Abudu Olalekan
The EFCC just told former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva to show up. He’s wanted for that alleged $14.86 million fraud. Spokesman Dele Oyewale said it Monday after Sylva claimed the agency acts like an APC tool, not a real state body.
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale shot back.
Sylva quit the APC the same day. He sent his resignation letter to the EFCC too. Accused them of playing politics. Said the party dumped its old ideals. Tinubu’s government let Nigerians down, he added.
The letter went to his ward chairman in Brass, Bayelsa. Copied the national chairman, EFCC boss, and state APC head. He talked it over with family and friends first.
He called the APC a “floundering ship” loaded with too much bad stuff. Couldn’t stay in a party where leaders think anything goes in politics.
In the August 31, 2026 letter he wrote: “As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
He went on that he can’t in good conscience stay when leaders act like all’s fair. Basic decency says no. This government disappointed most Nigerians. No real fix in sight.
He’s betting the next election lets people vote for Nigeria and break the hold.
Why copy the EFCC? He said they’ve turned political lately. Knew it might bring more heat on him and his people. Willing to risk it.
EFCC declared him wanted November 2025 over conspiracy and converting $14,859,257. His APC exit comes months after links to an alleged plot against Tinubu. He’s a defendant in a 13-count charge. Treason, terror stuff, conspiracy, money laundering. Still at large.
Reports say he left Nigeria once the probe went public. Halted return plans after a raid on his Abuja house and arrests of associates.
Investigators call him a main financier. About N785 million through Purple Waves Limited. Over N5 billion pooled total. Funds tied to NDDC contracts and company loans.
Sylva denies it all. No conviction yet. Case still in court.
In July 2026 DSS charged five of his associates for hiding him. They pleaded not guilty, got bail.
May 2026 a court ordered interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to him.
Sylva governed Bayelsa 2007 to 2012, some court interruptions. Later petroleum minister under Buhari.
That’s where it stands. Wanted man walks away from the party. EFCC waiting.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
