Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission requesting that the agency set a new date for his appearance over allegations of diverting 14.8 million dollars. The letter comes days after the EFCC publicly listed him as a wanted person, a move the former Bayelsa State governor says took him by surprise.

According to documents sighted by reporters, the letter was dated November 24, 2025 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26.

Medical Treatment Delaying Appearance

In the correspondence, which he personally signed and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Sylva explained that he is undergoing urgent medical treatment for what he described as a life-threatening condition. He noted that he is consulting with his doctors on whether it is safe to suspend his treatment in order to attend an interrogation at the commission’s headquarters.

He asked the EFCC to agree on a new date, saying it must be subject to his medical team’s clearance.

“I trust that your invitation is for the purpose of a legitimate investigation and not to place my life at risk,” he wrote. “Only the living can fully and responsibly respond to allegations, which I firmly deny.”

Legal analysts say suspects facing health challenges are often granted short-term delays, although decisions vary depending on the nature and urgency of the investigation.

A Chaotic Few Weeks

The former governor recounted a series of recent incidents that he said left his family and associates distressed. According to him, the situation began with claims circulating online that linked him to an alleged plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sylva said the rumor escalated into what he described as a dramatic military operation at his residence, during which several staff members, including drivers and security personnel, were taken into custody.

While still dealing with the fallout from those events, Sylva said he was shocked to learn on November 10 that the EFCC had declared him wanted over an alleged 14.8 million dollar fraud. According to Punch, the EFCC has not publicly released additional details on the nature of the allegation.

He stressed that the agency had invited him once before, in December 2024, regarding the same matter. After answering questions, he was granted administrative bail on self-recognition and told he would be contacted again if the investigators needed further information. “To the best of my knowledge,” he wrote, “no additional invitation or letter was ever sent to me.”

Denies Evading Lawful Invitation

Sylva said he was “deeply unsettled” to hear claims in the media that he had jumped bail, insisting that no such condition existed and that he had never ignored a summons from any law enforcement institution.

“I have always been a law-abiding citizen and have never evaded an invitation from a competent authority,” he wrote.

Some political observers note that high-profile corruption cases often attract speculation, especially when they involve former officeholders. However, they caution that accusations of political targeting cannot be confirmed without transparent findings from investigators.

Concerns About Public Perception

Sylva warned that the manner in which the situation has unfolded could lead the public to draw the wrong conclusions. He said the series of actions against him might be interpreted by some as a politically motivated attempt to discredit him.

“These frenzied actions may be viewed as a witch-hunt by many,” he said, adding that he has felt like a “target” since the start of the current administration.

The EFCC has not yet issued a formal response to his letter. Legal experts say the commission will need to clarify the next steps to avoid further confusion, particularly in a case involving significant public interest.

Closing

As Nigerians wait for more details, the case continues to draw attention from legal analysts and political observers alike. Sylva maintains his willingness to appear before investigators once his doctors give the all-clear, while the EFCC is expected to determine whether it will proceed with enforcement or agree to a new date.