Timipre Sylva, the former Governor of Bayelsa State and previous Minister of Petroleum, has charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with neglecting proper protocols before marking him as wanted.
In a statement released on Monday by his media spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, Sylva claimed that the EFCC did not formally reach out to him or adhere to any official procedure before posting his name on social media platforms. Bokoru characterized this action as “a sudden online declaration aimed at stirring public emotions and fabricating another chapter of orchestrated animosity.”
He asserted that Sylva’s present predicament was politically driven, labeling it as a continuation of attempts by “shadowy entities” intent on damaging the ex-minister’s reputation.
He remarked that what was once murmured as a “coup issue” has now “transformed into a financial accusation,” calling this change “curious.” As per Bokoru, “The same entities that previously sought to politically vilify Sylva now seem to have rebranded themselves as financial reformers. There must be a rationale behind this transition—from hearsay to reinvention.”
Bokoru likened Sylva’s challenges to the biblical trials of Job, noting that each allegation surfaced with “near-mathematical accuracy” after the prior one had been disproved. He mentioned that while he hadn’t communicated directly with Sylva, he confirmed that the former minister would respond to the EFCC’s summons once he completes his ongoing medical evaluations in the United Kingdom.
Bokoru further rejected the fraud allegations against Sylva, asserting that the former minister “has clean hands” and has not misappropriated any public resources.He referred to the refinery project in question as “a legitimate, transparent, and verifiable initiative that follows due process and is supported by traceable records.”Bokoru added that those attempting to tarnish Sylva’s reputation “will not succeed,” stating that truth will eventually prevail over misinformation.
Bluebloodz.com earlier reported the EFCC on Monday announced Timipre Sylva as wanted for purported fraud amounting to $14.85 million.The anti-corruption agency published his image on social media, accusing him of collusion and fraudulent conversion of funds intended for the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited’s construction. These funds were reportedly allocated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The EFCC had previously obtained an arrest warrant for Sylva from Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6.
The warrant permitted law enforcement agencies to apprehend Sylva and present him to the EFCC to address the alleged crime.Recently, Sylva’s home was searched by soldiers probing an alleged coup conspiracy against President Bola Tinubu. While he confirmed the incident, Sylva denied any participation in such a scheme.
Bokoru mentioned that the raid inflicted substantial damage to Sylva’s property, highlighting that the officers provided no clear justification for their actions.
Timipre Sylva was reportedly out of the country during the event & reports indicated that over 30 suspects could stand trial regarding the alleged coup conspiracy, with about seven still unaccounted for. It remains uncertain whether Sylva is among them.