EFCC Seals Sylva’s Abuja Residence Amid Ongoing Investigation
Chief Julius Bokoru, media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sealing his principal’s Maitama residence in Abuja.
In a statement released on Monday, Bokoru criticised the commission’s actions, claiming they were carried out “without a single letter, without a subpoena, without a warrant, without notification, and without even the most basic adherence to lawful process.”
According to him, EFCC operatives stormed the residence in what he described as an “aggressive intrusion,” spray-painting “EFCC — Keep Off” on the walls as though dealing with a fugitive rather than “a respected statesman.”
He said the incident was symptomatic of institutional misconduct:
“No courtesy. No procedure. No humanity. What unfolded today… was nothing short of an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society.”
Bokoru added that the situation was especially distressing for Sylva’s children, relatives and domestic staff, who have been unable to freely leave the premises for weeks.
“To violate such a place, without warning, without justification, is to inflict terror upon innocent people who have no connection whatsoever to political gamesmanship,” he said.
He questioned how long the family must “endure this atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” describing the EFCC’s actions as arbitrary, vindictive, and inconsistent with democratic values.
Bokoru distanced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the move, asserting that the action bore the hallmarks of local political rivalry rather than federal directive.
“Government agencies must never allow themselves to become weapons in political contests,” he warned.
“To do so weakens not only the institutions but the very fabric of our democracy.”
He praised Sylva as a loyal public servant with decades of contributions at both state and federal levels, insisting his commitment to Nigeria has remained steadfast even in the face of provocation.
Bokoru also highlighted the continued detention of several of Sylva’s aides and domestic workers, Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed, and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba, who he said have been held for weeks on “vague, insubstantial, and nearly non-existent allegations.”
“These are ordinary men with families,” he said, describing their detention as “unjust” and “needless.”
Their plight, he added, reflects the broader injustice surrounding the case.
Despite the tensions, Bokoru expressed optimism that fairness would prevail.
“Nigeria has weathered storms before, storms of injustice and heavy-handedness, and emerged stronger. We believe justice will rise above intimidation, and truth will outlast malice.”
