EFCC Summons Sylva Over $14.86m Fraud Allegation, 24 Hours After APC Resignation - The Alternative News - The Alternative News

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026

EFCC Summons Sylva Over $14.86m Fraud Allegation, 24 Hours After APC Resignation - The Alternative News

 


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to make himself available for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this on Monday while responding to allegations by Sylva that the anti-graft agency had allowed itself to be used as a political tool by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The development came barely 24 hours after Sylva announced his resignation from the APC, citing extensive consultations with family members, associates and political allies.

In his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, the former governor criticised the party’s leadership for abandoning what he described as the principles that guided its formation.

“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 said.

Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics.”

He also criticised the performance of the APC-led Federal Government, saying it had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he wrote.

The former governor specifically mentioned the EFCC in his resignation letter, alleging that the commission had become increasingly politicised.

“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,” Sylva alleged.

He acknowledged that his decision to leave the party could attract renewed pressure from the anti-graft agency but said he was prepared to face the consequences.

“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,” he stated.

The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.

The former governor is also facing a separate 13-count charge over an alleged plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The charges include alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.

Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot. The case remains before the court and Sylva has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

Oyewale’s latest statement indicates that the EFCC expects Sylva, who remains wanted by the commission, to present himself for questioning.

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