Timipre Sylva Alleges Political Witch-Hunt After EFCC Declares Him Wanted
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has accused unnamed political figures of orchestrating a “relentless theatre of persecution” following his declaration as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a $14.85 million fraud.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, Sylva described the EFCC’s public declaration as politically motivated and procedurally improper, noting that the agency did not formally contact him before publishing the notice.
“His recent travails bear an uncanny resemblance to the trials of Job in Holy Scripture—each ordeal arriving with near-mathematical precision, each accusation discredited only for another to appear,” Bokoru said.
“These are no coincidences; they are deliberate machinations of those who dread Sylva’s enduring political relevance and moral resolve. No formal communication was extended to him, no established protocol observed, only a sudden digital proclamation designed to inflame public sentiment and manufacture yet another episode of orchestrated hostility.”
Mr. Bokoru confirmed that he had not been in direct contact with his principal but assured that Sylva would honour the EFCC’s invitation once his ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom is concluded.
“However, from available information and from prior official briefings, it is important to restate that Chief Sylva will, in line with his respect for lawful institutions and due process, honour the invitation of the EFCC once he concludes his ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom,” Bokoru added.
He also criticized what he called the “desperation to sully Sylva’s name”, mocking the situation as one where “only the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria and the Man’O’War remain uninvited to this theatre of persecution.”
“The desperation to sully Sylva’s name knows no restraint, its sponsors are zealous, its intentions transparent, and its malice unmistakable. Yet, let it be categorically stated: Chief Timipre Sylva has clean hands. He has not diverted a single dollar, nor has he betrayed the trust reposed in him by the Nigerian people,” the statement continued.
“The refinery project in question is a legitimate, transparent, and verifiable undertaking, subject to due process and traceable documentation. To our friends, allies, and well-wishers: this, too, shall pass. Truth, though often delayed, remains immutable. It neither bows to propaganda nor perishes in the tumult of falsehood. Those engineering this relentless campaign of defamation will not prevail—for light, by its very nature, must always outshine darkness.”
The EFCC announced Sylva’s wanted status on Monday via its official X handle, sharing his photograph and calling for public assistance in locating him. The Commission alleges that Sylva was involved in a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
According to the EFCC, a warrant for Sylva’s arrest was issued on 6 November 2025 by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Sylva, 61, who hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, recently made headlines after his home was raided by soldiers investigating an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Sylva denied any connection to the alleged plot.
“During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently,” Bokoru said after the raid.
He further disclosed that Sylva was not in Nigeria during the military raid and did not specify when he would return.
Reports from PREMIUM TIMES indicated that over 30 suspects may face trial over the failed coup attempt, with about seven others still at large. It remains unclear whether Sylva is among those being sought by the authorities in connection with the plot.