EFCC Clarifies Operation at Sylva’s Abuja Residence, Denies Forceful Entry

EFCC Clarifies Operation at Sylva’s Abuja Residence, Denies Forceful Entry

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports that its operatives raided the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, stating that the property was merely marked for investigation as part of an ongoing probe.

EFCC spokesperson and Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, told journalists on Tuesday that the operation at Sylva’s Maitama residence was routine and did not involve any forceful entry or eviction. “What happened on those premises was not a raid. As an operational principle, we do not conduct raids. What happened was some markings of buildings identified for investigation,” he said.

Oyewale stressed that no court order was required for the action, adding that assets relevant to the probe were marked without disrupting occupants. “No force was applied. Nobody was ejected. We came, we did our job, and we left. And for us to do that, we don’t need a court order,” he stated.

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He further revealed that Timipre Sylva had already been declared wanted, making the commission’s actions lawful and necessary. “He is a suspect under investigation. Whatever we are doing is in furtherance of our investigation. We have not operated outside the law,” Oyewale added.

However, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, condemned the EFCC’s actions, calling the marking of the residence “arbitrary and vindictive.” He claimed the commission acted “without a letter, subpoena, warrant, notification, or adherence to lawful process,” alleging that the move amounted to political interference capable of undermining democratic institutions.

The EFCC had, on November 10, declared Sylva wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257, prompting heightened scrutiny of his assets.

The latest development adds fresh tension to the ongoing dispute between the anti-graft commission and the former minister as investigations continue.

EFCC Clarifies Operation at Sylva’s Abuja Residence, Denies Forceful Entry