Julius Bokoru, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has strongly criticised the sealing of Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement on Monday titled “A Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC’s Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home,” Bokoru described the commission’s actions as unlawful, excessive, and deeply troubling.
The EFCC declared Sylva wanted in November over an alleged $14.8m fraud. Before this, military intelligence operatives had raided his home and arrested his brother and driver over alleged links to a failed coup attempt. Sylva’s team has repeatedly argued that the EFCC failed to invite him before launching a manhunt. Just last week, the former minister wrote to the agency, requesting a mutually agreed date to honour their invitation.
Bokoru said the latest move by the EFCC was carried out “without a letter, subpoena, warrant, notification, or any basic adherence to lawful process.”
According to him, what happened was “an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the principles that define a civilised society.” He added that EFCC officers forcefully approached the residence and spray-painted “EFCC — Keep Off” on the walls, treating the home “as though it belonged to a fugitive rather than a respected statesman.”
He noted that the residence currently houses Sylva’s children, relatives, and staff, who have already been living under restrictions.
“It is the only space left to them, especially now that they appear unable to travel freely. To violate such a place without warning or justifiable cause is to terrorise innocent people who have nothing to do with political battles,” he said. “Where are his children expected to go? How long will they live in fear?”
Bokoru described the EFCC’s behaviour as “arbitrary, vindictive, and contrary to democratic norms,” insisting that the commission was acting in a manner totally opposite to the ideals for which it was created.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu was not behind the action.
“We remain firmly convinced that President Bola Tinubu is not involved in these excesses. Throughout his public life, he has demonstrated respect for due process and institutional integrity. What happened bears the marks of local political rivalry being presented as federal instruction,” he said.
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He warned government agencies to resist being used as tools in political battles, noting that such misuse weakens national institutions and undermines democracy.
Bokoru praised Sylva as a calm, loyal, and patriotic statesman who had maintained dignity despite provocations. He also reminded the public that several of Sylva’s aides — including Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed, and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba — remain in detention under unclear circumstances.
“These are ordinary men with families. Their prolonged detention is unjust and needless. Their suffering represents the wider injustice unfolding,” he said.
Despite the tension, Bokoru expressed hope that justice would prevail.
“Nigeria has survived storms of injustice and heavy-handedness before. We believe truth will outlast malice, and that this difficult moment will pass.”
