The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the commission for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed that the commission expects Sylva to make himself available as investigations into the matter continue.
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.
The development comes amid renewed political controversy surrounding Sylva, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of abandoning the principles upon which it was founded.
Sylva has also criticised the EFCC, alleging that the anti-graft agency is being used for political purposes.
The commission has rejected such allegations and maintained its position that Sylva is wanted in connection with the financial-crime investigation.
The case concerns allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14.86 million. The EFCC had previously obtained a warrant relating to Sylva in connection with the investigation.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination, and Sylva is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.