Former Bayelsa State governor and ex–Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has called on the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release four of his detained aides, describing their continued detention as “unjust, unnecessary, and inhumane.”
The appeal was issued in a statement released on Saturday through his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, who posted the message on Facebook. According to Bokoru, the individuals in custody — Paganengigha Anagha, Musa Mohammed (Sylva’s driver), police operative Ayuba Reuben, and Friday Lusa Paul — remain detained despite Sylva’s written communication to the EFCC expressing his readiness to honour the agency’s invitation as soon as his ongoing medical treatment abroad permits him to travel.
“These individuals — fathers, husbands, ordinary Nigerians — have been held on grounds that appear unclear at best, and entirely vague to their traumatised families,” Bokoru said.
Sylva had earlier written to the EFCC chairperson expressing his displeasure over the Commission’s decision to declare him wanted in connection with an alleged $14.8 million fraud. In the letter, dated 24 November and acknowledged by the EFCC on 26 November, Sylva informed the agency that he was undergoing urgent treatment for a life-threatening medical condition. He explained that consultations were ongoing with his medical team to determine whether he could temporarily suspend treatment to present himself for interrogation.
Bokoru also alleged that Sylva’s Maitama residence has been under “continuous security siege,” leaving his young children and household “effectively confined.”
“Mr Sylva’s Maitama residence has been under continuous security siege, with his young children and household effectively confined,” he said. “Even routine communication with the press has come at personal risk to me and others.”
He warned that the situation is taking a heavy emotional and psychological toll on those involved. “These events carry a heavy toll — on individuals, on families, and on the democratic values that demand fairness, transparency, and proportionality,” Bokoru added.
He further argued that the controversy risks overshadowing Sylva’s contributions to national development, including his role in championing the Petroleum Industry Bill, which eventually became the Petroleum Industry Act, and his involvement in establishing the Presidential Amnesty Programme during his tenure as governor.
“Today, I make a humble but resolute appeal: that Messrs Anagha, Mohammed, Reuben, and Paul be released to rejoin their anxious families; that the 24-hour security encirclement around Chief Sylva’s children be lifted; and that the dignity of due process — the foundation of any civilised society — be restored,” he said.
According to Bokoru, Sylva has already written to the EFCC, pledging to appear before the Commission on a medically feasible date to be agreed upon by both parties. He described this as “the responsibility of any honourable man.”
