Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum Timipre Sylva, has condemned the sealing of Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Bokoru, in a statement released on Monday and titled “A Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC’s Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home,” described the action as arbitrary and a violation of democratic principles.
He alleged that EFCC operatives carried out the operation without prior notice, warrant or subpoena.
“The agency acted without a single letter, without a subpoena, without a warrant, without notification, and without even the most basic adherence to lawful process,” Bokoru said.
He claimed operatives spray-painted “EFCC Keep Off” on the walls of the property, noting that the house is occupied by Sylva’s children, relatives and staff.
Bokoru also raised concern over the detention of some of Sylva’s aides and domestic staff, including Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba.
He described the detentions as unjust and based on insubstantial allegations.
He accused the EFCC of being used to settle political scores, alleging that the incident may be linked to state-level political hostilities.
“This action appears to reflect local political rivalries rather than any directive from the Federal Government,” he said.
Bokoru stated that President Bola Tinubu had no involvement in the development, adding that Sylva remained supportive of the administration.
“In spite of the pain and deep emotional strain of this moment, we remain hopeful. Nigeria has weathered storms before and emerged stronger. We believe justice will rise above intimidation and truth will outlast malice,” he said.
Bokoru’s statement comes amid ongoing issues between Sylva and the EFCC.
QEDNG previously reported that the former minister sought a new date to honour an EFCC invitation over an alleged $14.8m fraud.
He denied jumping bail and faulted the decision to declare him wanted, saying no further invitation was issued after he last appeared before the commission in December 2024.
Timipre Sylva has also claimed that his residence was earlier raided by operatives believed to be from military intelligence, during which his aide Paga and his driver were arrested.
