Timipre Sylva EFCC case deepens as the ex-minister seeks a new appearance date, citing urgent medical care after being declared wanted over alleged fraud

The Timipre Sylva EFCC case took a dramatic turn yesterday after the former Minister of State for Petroleum wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission requesting a mutually agreed date to appear before investigators.

Also read: Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva declared wanted by EFCC over $14.8m fraud

His letter, signed personally and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, expressed displeasure at the agency’s move to declare him wanted over an alleged twenty four point eight million dollar fraud.

According to the correspondence dated 24 November and acknowledged by the EFCC on 26 November, Sylva disclosed that he is currently undergoing urgent medical treatment for a life-threatening condition.

He explained that his medical team was still assessing whether he could safely suspend treatment in order to present himself to the agency.

He stressed that his intention remained clear, noting that only the living can meaningfully defend themselves against allegations.

He denied the fraud accusation and asked for a rescheduled date, subject to medical clearance, to appear physically before investigators.

Sylva also recounted recent developments that he described as distressing for his family, associates and supporters.

He referenced an earlier unverified allegation linking him to a supposed plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said resulted in a military operation at his residence, leading to the arrest of his drivers, security aides and domestic staff.

Amid that turbulence, he noted, the EFCC publicly declared him wanted on 10 November in connection with the alleged twenty four point eight million dollar fraud.

He stated that he had in fact been invited by the commission in December 2024 regarding the same matter, after which he provided explanations, was granted administrative bail on self-recognition and told he would be contacted if further clarification was needed.

The former minister said he was taken aback by the agency’s public notice, insisting that no fresh invitation was issued to him and no bail conditions existed that he could have breached.

He described the situation as bewildering, adding that the sequence of events had created public confusion and could easily be interpreted as a political witch-hunt.

He reiterated that he had never refused or dodged any invitation from lawful authorities and maintained that he remained a responsible and law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also read: Timipre Sylva linked to alleged coup funding probe

It was earlier reported on 11 November that the EFCC had declared Timipre Sylva wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of fourteen million eight hundred and fifty nine thousand two hundred and fifty seven dollars.