Chief Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, has formally written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting a scheduled date for his appearance before investigators.
In the letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Sylva expressed displeasure over reports that the commission was considering declaring him wanted in connection with an alleged 14.8 million dollars fraud case.
We gathered that the letter, dated Nov. 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on Nov. 26, informed the commission that Sylva is currently undergoing urgent medical treatment for a life-threatening health condition.
According to him, he has been in constant consultation with his medical team to determine if he could pause his treatment long enough to honour the EFCC’s invitation.
He appealed to the commission to agree on a convenient date for him to appear, saying: “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 added: “I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to unalive, but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime in which case my request will be in order.
For only the living may appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny.”
Reflecting on recent developments, Sylva recounted weeks of turmoil that he, his family, associates, and supporters had experienced. He said matters began with “unverified accusations” linking him to a supposed plot against the constitutional authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allegations that later triggered a “dramatic military operation” at his residence. During the raid, several individuals, including his drivers, security personnel, and domestic staff, were arrested and remain in detention.
While still dealing with the emotional burden of those incidents, Sylva said he was shocked to see that on Nov. 10, 2025, he was again publicly declared wanted by the EFCC over a 24.8 million dollars fraud allegation.
He recalled that he had earlier been invited by the agency in December 2024 on the same matter, during which he provided all necessary clarifications.
According to him, he was granted administrative bail on self-recognition and informed he would be contacted again only if additional input was required, an invitation he insists never came.
Sylva said he was “deeply surprised and profoundly unsettled” to learn through the media that he was wanted, stressing that he has never ignored or evaded any lawful invitation.
He also faulted claims made on Nov. 14, 2025, that he had jumped bail, stating categorically that no such breach occurred because no such condition existed.
He warned that the unfolding actions could fuel public misinterpretation, especially as many may view them as politically motivated.
According to him, the “frenzied and almost desperate actions” create an impression that he has been targeted “since the beginning of this administration.”
