Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has formally written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting that both parties agree on a suitable date for him to appear before the agency.
His letter, dated November 24, 2025, and received by the EFCC on November 26, challenges the Commission’s recent declaration of him as wanted over an alleged $14.8 million fraud.
Sylva explained that he was currently receiving urgent medical care for a life-threatening condition and is consulting with his doctors to determine when he can safely appear before investigators.
He stressed that he was fully prepared to cooperate with the EFCC once he receives medical clearance, adding that only someone in stable health can responsibly address such allegations—claims he firmly denies.
Reflecting on recent events, Sylva described the emotional distress caused to his family, associates, and supporters following what he called an orchestrated plot to link him to an attempt to undermine presidential authority.
He criticized a dramatic operation carried out at his residence, during which several staff members were detained.
Sylva also reminded the EFCC that he had previously honored an invitation in December 2024, cooperated fully with investigators, and was granted administrative bail.
He expressed shock at being declared wanted despite this history of compliance, insisting that accusations of jumping bail were entirely false.
He further warned that the EFCC’s actions risk being interpreted as politically motivated, suggesting that he had been unfairly targeted since the beginning of the current administration.
