EFCC Seals Off Sylva's Abuja Residence Amidst Allegations of Fra*d

Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant to former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sealing Sylva's Abuja residence. Bokoru described the EFCC's action as "arbitrary" and "vindictive", saying it violated democratic principles and the values the commission was established to uphold.

The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November over an alleged $14.8m fraud. Bokoru stated that the commission's latest action was undertaken "without a single letter, without a subpoena, without a warrant, without notification, and without even the most basic adherence to lawful process".

According to Bokoru, EFCC officers spray-painted the words "EFCC — Keep Off" on the walls of Sylva's residence, treating it like a fugitive's property rather than a respected statesman's home. He expressed concern that the residence is where Sylva's children, relatives, and staff have been confined for weeks, and questioned where they are expected to go.

Bokoru absolved President Bola Tinubu of involvement, saying the incident bears the hallmarks of local political rivalry being misinterpreted as federal instruction. He described Sylva as a statesman who served Nigeria with calmness, loyalty, and patriotism, and criticized the EFCC for detaining several of Sylva's aides and domestic staff on unclear allegations.