Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fix a new, definite date for him to honour its invitation over an alleged $14.8 million fraud case.
Sylva made the request in a letter dated November 24, which the EFCC acknowledged on November 26. In the correspondence, he voiced concern over the Commission’s recent attempt to declare him wanted, insisting he has never tried to avoid investigation.
According to him, he is currently undergoing urgent treatment for a life-threatening medical challenge and is awaiting guidance from his doctors on the earliest “safe” time he can appear before investigators. He wrote: “I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set—subject to medical clearance—to enable me appear physically. I trust the objective of your invitation is not to harm me but to investigate an alleged crime, which I firmly deny.”
Sylva also referenced what he called “distressing” developments, including a security raid on his Abuja home, during which several of his aides—drivers, domestic staff and security personnel—were reportedly arrested and have remained in custody.
The former minister expressed surprise at being declared wanted on November 10, saying he had already honoured an EFCC invitation in December 2024, was placed on administrative bail on self-recognition, and never received any further communication afterwards. “I have never declined or evaded any lawful invitation. The claim that I jumped bail is incorrect. No such bail condition existed or was violated by me,” he stated.
He warned that the EFCC’s recent actions could be misconstrued as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his name.
“The recent actions may be misinterpreted as a political witch-hunt by many, especially considering that I appear to have been a target since the beginning of this administration,” he added.
