Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has written to the EFCC demanding a fresh, mutually agreed date to appear before the commission — citing urgent health concerns.
In a letter dated 24 November 2025 and acknowledged by the EFCC on 26 November, Sylva explained that he is undergoing treatment for what he described as a “life-threatening condition.” He asked that any new appearance be “subject to medical clearance.”
He added he has never refused cooperation, emphasising that only the living can “appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny.”
On 10 November 2025, the EFCC publicly declared Sylva wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 — funds said to have been channeled into a refinery project under Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
According to the anti-graft agency, a Federal High Court in Lagos on 6 November issued a warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be brought before the Commission to answer the charges.
In his letter to the EFCC chairman, Sylva expressed dismay over being labelled “wanted,” describing the action as unnecessary and unfair — given that he says he has always cooperated.
He recalled that he had already responded to an EFCC invitation in December 2024 and was granted administrative bail on his own recognition. According to him, he was never re-invited, and there was no bail condition that he violated.
Sylva warned that the public declaration and recent security operation against associates at his residence may be seen by many as “political witch-hunt.”
