Sylva further noted that the anti-graft agency’s decision to declare him wanted was “unnecessary and too early.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has responded to the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to declare him wanted with a letter explaining his whereabouts.
Speaking in a letter, dated November 24, and received by the anti-graft body on November 26, Sylva noted that declaring him wanted was “unnecessary and too early.”
The EFCC declared the former governor wanted on November 10, 2025, following a warrant issued on November 6, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
However, in his letter to the anti-corruption agency, Sylva asked for a new date to appear over an alleged $14.8 million fraud.
The former Bayelsa State Governor also explained that he is undergoing urgent medical treatment for a life-threatening condition.
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He added that he is in touch with his doctors to know when it will be safe to pause treatment and respond to the EFCC.
Sylva wrote: “In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me to appear physically.
“I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to harm me but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime, in which case my request will be in order.
“For only the living can fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly deny.”
Sylva further reminded the EFCC that he had complied with a previous invitation in December 2024, provided detailed explanations, and was granted administrative bail on self-recognition, with the understanding that he would only be contacted again if further clarification was needed.
