- the former Bayelsa governor criticised the Commission’s decision to declare him wanted
- He said the situation had caused weeks of emotional tension for his family, associates, and staff
- Sylva appealed for a medically feasible date to appear before investigators
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide him with a new appointment date for questioning, insisting he remains willing to honour the agency’s invitation once his doctors grant clearance.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Sylva, in a letter dated November 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, informed the Commission that he is undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition and is currently unable to travel.
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He stressed that his health team is assessing whether his therapy can be paused long enough for him to appear in person.
In the correspondence addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the former Bayelsa governor criticised the Commission’s decision to declare him wanted over an alleged $14.8 million fraud, describing the move as unnecessary and distressing.
He said the situation had caused weeks of emotional tension for his family, associates, and staff.
Sylva recalled that he had previously honoured an EFCC invitation in December 2024 regarding the same allegation, after which he was granted administrative bail on self‑recognition with assurances that he would be contacted again if needed.
According to him, no further invitation was issued before the public notice declaring him wanted.
He also addressed recent claims that he jumped bail, insisting that no bail condition was ever violated. Sylva said it was troubling that such accusations were made despite his known cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies.
The former minister further referenced the earlier military operation at his residence, during which some of his workers were arrested and allegedly remain in detention.
He warned that the string of actions taken against him could easily be interpreted by the public as politically motivated.
Sylva appealed for a medically feasible date to appear before investigators, reaffirming his readiness to respond to any lawful inquiry once his health stabilises.
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