Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting a fresh appearance date for an alleged $14.8 million scam.
Sylva stated in the November 24 letter that the EFCC received on November 26 that it was “unnecessary and too early” to proclaim him wanted.
He clarified that he has a life-threatening illness and is receiving immediate medical attention.
The former governor of Bayelsa State further stated that he is in communication with his physicians to determine when it will be safe to stop treatment and reply to the EFCC.
“In light of the aforementioned, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me to appear physically,” Sylva wrote.
“I hope that the purpose of your invitation is to actually look into a claimed crime rather than to hurt me, in which case my request will be appropriate.
“I vehemently deny any accusation, as only the living can fully and responsibly respond to it.”
Additionally, Sylva reminded the EFCC that he had accepted a prior invitation in December 2024, given thorough justifications, and been granted administrative bail on self-recognition, with the understanding that he would only be called again if more information was required.
Following a warrant issued on November 6, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Lagos, the EFCC declared Sylva sought on November 10, 2025.
