The former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has come forward with a detailed response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the agency’s announcement declaring him wanted for alleged financial misconduct. Sylva, through his media aide, Julius Bokoru, has strongly disputed the EFCC’s approach, accusing the agency of bypassing proper procedures and protocols before publicly naming him on social media, which he described as both “irregular” and “unprecedented.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Bokoru emphasised that Sylva had not been formally contacted by the EFCC prior to the declaration, noting that there was no official invitation or attempt to communicate with him regarding the allegations. He further criticized the agency for what he termed a “sudden digital proclamation” designed to inflame public sentiment and create a perception of wrongdoing without due process. According to Bokoru, this public naming appeared intended to generate negative publicity and fuel orchestrated hostility against Sylva, rather than to adhere to legal or procedural norms.
Alleged Political Motivation Behind the Case
Bokoru also suggested that the current legal challenge facing Sylva was politically motivated, describing it as part of a broader effort by “shadowy forces” seeking to tarnish the former minister’s reputation. He highlighted a curious transition from political to financial allegations, noting that what had been previously whispered as a “coup matter” had now evolved into accusations of financial impropriety. Bokoru remarked that these developments mirrored a pattern in which adversaries continuously attempt to target Sylva, saying: “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.”
Drawing parallels to the biblical figure Job, Bokoru commented on the persistence and timing of the accusations against Sylva, noting that each allegation seemed to appear with “near-mathematical precision” after the former minister had successfully disproved the previous one. This, he said, highlighted the deliberate and systematic nature of the purported campaign against Sylva.
Sylva to Honour EFCC Invitation
Despite the accusations, Bokoru confirmed that Sylva intends to comply with the EFCC’s request. He clarified that Sylva would honour the agency’s invitation once he completes his ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom. Bokoru reiterated Sylva’s innocence, stating that the former minister “has clean hands” and has not diverted any public funds. He further described the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited project under scrutiny as “a legitimate, transparent, and verifiable undertaking subject to due process and traceable documentation.”
Bokoru insisted that attempts to smear Sylva’s reputation would ultimately fail, asserting that “truth will eventually triumph over propaganda.” He emphasised that Sylva remains committed to addressing the allegations through proper legal channels and is confident in the integrity of his record.
EFCC Allegations Against Sylva
The EFCC had earlier declared Timipre Sylva wanted for an alleged $14.85 million fraud. The anti-graft agency posted his photograph on social media, alleging that Sylva was involved in conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds intended 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 previously secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest from Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 6 November 2025. The warrant authorized law enforcement agencies to arrest Sylva and bring him before the EFCC to respond to the alleged offense, making it clear that the agency was prepared to pursue formal legal action if the former governor did not comply voluntarily.
Earlier Military Raid
Complicating matters, Sylva’s residence was recently raided by soldiers investigating an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While Sylva confirmed the raid, he denied any involvement in such activities. Bokoru highlighted that the operation caused significant damage to Sylva’s property and that the officers provided no clear explanation for their actions. Notably, Sylva was reportedly outside Nigeria during the raid, raising questions about the timing and justification for the operation.
Reports have indicated that more than 30 suspects could face trial over the alleged coup plot, with approximately seven still at large. It remains unclear whether Sylva is formally implicated in this case. Bokoru framed this context as indicative of a broader pattern of targeting Sylva, emphasizing that these multiple challenges—both political and financial—appear to be strategically orchestrated rather than coincidental.
Overall, Sylva’s response underscores his commitment to following legal protocols while defending his reputation, insisting on his innocence regarding the EFCC allegations and maintaining transparency in all official dealings. The former governor’s team continues to monitor developments closely, ensuring that all procedural and legal rights are respected as the situation unfolds.