Former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has reacted after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $14.85 million (₦21.3bn) fraud.
Sylva, speaking through his media aide Julius Bokoru, described the development as a coordinated political campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
The EFCC, in a statement by its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, accused Sylva of involvement in a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds invested by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. The agency urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact its offices or the nearest police station.
Reacting, Bokoru said Sylva was never formally informed before the EFCC made the announcement public, calling it a “digital proclamation designed to inflame public sentiment.”
“It is curious that what was once whispered as a coup matter has suddenly become a financial allegation,” Bokoru said. “The same forces that tried to criminalise Sylva politically now appear as fiscal crusaders.”
He explained that Sylva is currently in the United Kingdom for medical treatment and will honour the EFCC’s invitation upon his return.
Bokoru also referenced a recent raid on Sylva’s residence by soldiers investigating an alleged coup plot, saying the operation caused significant damage and lacked proper explanation or authorisation.
Sylva, 61, from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has denied all allegations, insisting he has no involvement in any financial crime or coup plot.
