Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has formally written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking a new date to honour the agency’s invitation, citing an ongoing medical emergency.
In a letter dated November 24, 2025 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed strong disapproval over moves by the commission to declare him wanted in connection with an alleged $14.8 million fraud.
He insisted that he had never shunned any lawful summons and was willing to present himself as soon as his doctors permit.
Sylva, who personally signed the letter addressed to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, explained that he is currently undergoing urgent treatment for what he described as a “life‑threatening” medical condition.
He said he is in constant consultation with his medical team to determine whether it is safe to interrupt the treatment in order to appear before investigators.
“As a result of my present health situation, I most humbly request that we mutually agree on a new date, subject to medical clearance, to enable me appear physically and formally.
“I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to endanger my life but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime.
”Only the living can respond fully, responsibly, and appropriately to any allegation which I firmly and respectfully deny, ” he wrote.
The former minister described the past few weeks as agonising for him, his family, and close associates.
He said the situation escalated from unverified claims linking him to an alleged plot against the constitutional authority of President Bola Tinubu, to what he called a “dramatic military operation” at his private residence, during which several of his domestic aides including drivers and security personnel were arrested and remain in detention.
“While still dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of those events.
“I was, on Monday November 10, 2025, publicly declared wanted by your agency in relation to an alleged $24.8 million fraud, ” he said.
Sylva recalled that the EFCC had invited him in December 2024 regarding the same matter.
After responding to all questions, he said he was granted administrative bail based on self‑recognition and informed that he would be contacted should further clarification be required.
According to him, no subsequent invitation or correspondence was issued before the recent public notice declaring him wanted.
He said the development left him “deeply surprised and profoundly unsettled,” stressing that he had never refused to cooperate with any law enforcement agency.
“On 14 November 2025, it was publicly suggested that I had jumped bail.
”For clarity and the record, no such incident occurred, nor was any bail condition ever violated by me,” he stated.
Sylva warned that the nature and speed of recent actions surrounding the case risk fuelling public misinterpretation.
He suggested that many observers may see the flurry of moves as politically motivated.
“These frenzied and almost desperate actions may be viewed as a political witch‑hunt by many,” he wrote, adding that he appeared to have been targeted since the beginning of the current administration.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official response to the former minister’s latest correspondence.
