Bokoru condemns the EFCC sealing of Sylva’s home, calling the Abuja action unlawful and distressing for the former minister’s family
Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, on Monday in Abuja condemned the EFCC sealing of Sylva’s home, describing the action as a grave breach of lawful procedure and basic decency.
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Bokoru said operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrived at the Maitama residence without a letter, warrant, subpoena or any official notice, and proceeded to spray-paint the walls with the inscription “EFCC Keep Off.”
He described the operation as an unjustified intrusion that inflicted fear on the former minister’s children, relatives and staff, who have been confined to the residence for weeks amid ongoing investigations.
The EFCC had in November declared Sylva wanted over an alleged 14.8 million dollar fraud, a development that followed an earlier raid by military intelligence officers, during which Sylva’s brother and driver were arrested over an alleged link to a failed coup plot.
Sylva later wrote to the anti-graft agency requesting a mutually agreed date to honour its invitation.
In his statement, Bokoru said the latest action by the EFCC was arbitrary, vindictive and unbecoming of an institution expected to act in the national interest.
He added that the move targeted innocent individuals, noting that several of Sylva’s aides, including domestic staff and a police officer, remained in detention on what he described as unclear allegations.
Bokoru said President Bola Tinubu had no connection to the operation, insisting that Tinubu had consistently demonstrated respect for due process and institutional integrity throughout his public life.
He suggested that the development appeared rooted in political rivalry rather than federal directive.
The media aide said Sylva had maintained calmness and dignity despite mounting pressure, and expressed hope that justice would prevail over intimidation.
He described the situation as painful and destabilising for the affected families, calling it an unnecessary escalation at a time when national institutions ought to uphold fairness.
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Bokoru said Nigeria had weathered difficult moments in the past and expressed confidence that truth would outlast what he called an overreach by the commission.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
