The former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to follow proper procedure before declaring him wanted.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Julius Bokoru, Sylva said the EFCC did not contact him formally or observe any official protocol before announcing his name on social media.
Bokoru described the move as “a sudden digital proclamation designed to inflame public sentiment and manufacture yet another episode of orchestrated hostility.”
Alleged political persecution
Bokoru alleged that Sylva’s current ordeal was politically motivated, describing it as a continuation of efforts by “shadowy forces” determined to tarnish the former minister’s image.
He added that what was once whispered as a “coup matter” had now “metamorphosed into a financial allegation,” calling the transition “curious.”
According to Bokoru, “The same forces that once sought to criminalise Sylva politically now appear to have reinvented themselves as fiscal crusaders. There must be an explanation for this transition—from rumour to reinvention.”
He compared Sylva’s travails to the trials of Job in the Bible, saying each accusation appeared with “near-mathematical precision” after the previous one had been disproved.
Sylva to honour EFCC invitation
Bokoru said he had not spoken directly with Sylva but confirmed that the former minister would honour the EFCC’s invitation once he concludes his ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom.
He further dismissed allegations of fraud against Sylva, insisting that the former minister “has clean hands” and had not diverted any public funds.
He described the refinery project in question as “a legitimate, transparent, and verifiable undertaking subject to due process and traceable documentation.”
Bokoru added that those attempting to smear Sylva’s name “will not prevail,” saying truth would eventually triumph over propaganda.
EFCC’s allegations
The EFCC on Monday declared Timipre Sylva wanted for alleged $14.85 million fraud.
The anti-graft agency posted his photograph on social media, accusing him of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds meant for the construction of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The funds were reportedly provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The EFCC had earlier secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest from Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 6 November.
The warrant authorised law enforcement agencies to arrest Sylva and bring him before the EFCC to answer to the alleged offence.
Earlier military raid
Recently, Sylva’s residence was raided by soldiers investigating an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. Although he confirmed the raid, Sylva denied any involvement in such a plot.
Bokoru said the raid caused significant damage to Sylva’s property, noting that the officers gave no clear explanation for their actions. Sylva was reportedly outside the country during the incident.
Earlier report indicated that more than 30 suspects could face trial over the alleged coup plot, with about seven still at large. It remains unclear whether Sylva is among them.