WANTED! EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted Over Alleged $14.86 Million Fraud

The development comes shortly after Sylva resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva cited disappointment over the party’s departure from its founding principles and the Federal Government’s failure to meet Nigerians’ expectations. He explained that his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, and political allies.

Sylva expressed sadness over what he described as the erosion of the APC’s ideals, saying he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders had strayed from its original values.

Sylva, in his resignation statement, criticized the APC-led government for failing to meet expectations and accused the EFCC of acting as an arm of the ruling party rather than as an independent institution. He explained that he deliberately copied the EFCC in his resignation letter to highlight what he described as its recent conduct. Sylva acknowledged that his decision might expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny or even a “witch-hunt.”

In response, the EFCC rejected any political implications tied to Sylva’s claims and reiterated that he remains wanted by the commission.

The EFCC had in November 2025 declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257. The declaration followed the commission’s efforts to secure his appearance in connection with the investigation.

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

Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot and has maintained his innocence.

The case remains before the court and Sylva has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

- Business Day Newspaper