$14.8m Allegation: Sylva requests new date to face EFCC investigators

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to set a new date for him to appear before investigators over allegations of corruption.

In a letter dated November 24 and acknowledged by the agency two days later, the former Bayelsa State governor faulted the commission’s decision to declare him wanted in connection with an alleged $14.8 million fraud.

Sylva explained that he is currently undergoing “urgent medical care for a life-threatening condition” and is in consultation with his doctors on whether he can temporarily suspend treatment to honour the EFCC summons.

“In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me appear physically and formally,” he wrote.

He added that he hoped the agency’s intention was “to genuinely investigate an alleged crime,” noting that only someone alive can properly respond to such accusations, allegations he firmly denied.

The former minister said the past few weeks had put his family, associates and close aides under “extraordinary and bewildering” pressure.

He recalled that matters escalated from what he described as an “unverified accusation” linking him to a supposed plot against President Bola Tinubu, to a “dramatic military operation” at his residence, during which several staff members were arrested and “remain in detention.”

“While still grappling with the emotional and psychological strain of those events, I was on Monday, 10 November 2025, publicly declared wanted by your esteemed agency in relation to an alleged $24.8 million fraud matter,” he wrote.

Sylva noted that he had previously appeared before the EFCC in December 2024 over the same allegations, after which he was granted administrative bail on self-recognition. He said the agency told him he would be contacted again if needed.

“To the best of my knowledge and belief, no further invitation or correspondence was issued to me thereafter,” he wrote, adding that he was shocked to learn through public announcements that he had been declared wanted, despite never ignoring any law enforcement invitation.

He also dismissed claims that he jumped bail, stating:
“For the sake of clarity, propriety and historical records, I must respectfully state that no such incident occurred, nor was any such bail condition in existence or ever violated by me.”

Sylva warned that recent developments could lead to public misinterpretation, noting that some may see the EFCC’s actions as politically motivated.

“It is difficult to dismiss the impression that matters may be proceeding in a manner capable of causing public misinterpretation… These frenzied and almost desperate actions may be viewed as a political witch-hunt by many, especially given that I have appeared to be a target since the beginning of this administration.”

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