Timipri fault EFCC over declaring “wanted” Allergy Political Witch-hunts
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of breaching due process in declaring him wanted over an alleged $14.85 million fraud.
In a statement on Monday issued by his media aide, Julius Bokoru, Sylva described the EFCC’s action as “unprocedural and theatrical,” claiming the anti-graft agency bypassed established communication and investigative protocols before publicly posting his wanted status on social media.
The EFCC had alleged that Sylva conspired to misappropriate funds from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), intended for the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. A Federal High Court warrant, dated November 6, Lagos, authorises his arrest.
Sylva dismissed the claims as politically motivated, suggesting the move is part of a “calculated and coordinated” effort to tarnish his image and diminish his political relevance. He likened the ordeal to the trials of Job in scripture and noted that what began as a “coup-related investigation” has evolved into financial allegations.
His aide stressed that the Atlantic Refinery project was legitimate and fully documented. Sylva, currently undergoing medical checks in the United Kingdom, affirmed he would respond to the EFCC’s invitation once concluded, maintaining his respect for lawful institutions.
The controversy follows a recent raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence by soldiers investigating an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu, which he denied involvement in, condemning the damage caused during the operation.
Sylva urged supporters to remain calm, calling the EFCC’s action a smear campaign that would ultimately fail.
Timipre Sylva, 61, from Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, served as governor from 2007 to 2012 and later as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under President Muhammadu Buhari.
