(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has sealed the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, igniting a fresh wave of political tension and accusations of abuse of power.
DDM gathered that the action was confirmed on Monday by Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokuro, who issued a strongly worded statement condemning the commission’s conduct as unlawful, hostile and politically motivated.
The former Bayelsa governor is currently embroiled in a dispute with the EFCC over the investigation of a missing $14.8 million earmarked for the Brass Refinery project in Brass Local Government Area.
Bokuro titled his statement “Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home,” accusing the anti-graft agency of acting without a warrant and violating every standard of lawful procedure.
He described the EFCC’s behaviour as unbecoming of an institution that claims to uphold national interest.
He stated that officers stormed the Maitama property in an aggressive manner and spray-painted “EFCC — KEEP OFF” in bright red on the walls, treating the home “as though marking the property of a fugitive rather than that of a respected statesman.”
Bokuro said the intrusion amounted to an assault on decency and a troubling signal of political intimidation disguised as law enforcement.
He revealed that Sylva’s children, relatives and domestic staff had already been under weeks of distress because the property had been effectively encircled.
He argued that violating a family residence “without warning and without justification” inflicted terror on innocent individuals who have no connection to the political confrontation.
According to him, the latest action “bears all the hallmarks of local political rivalry being misinterpreted, or mischievously presented, as federal instruction.”
He warned that such actions constitute a dangerous merging of partisan ambition with national authority, thereby undermining democratic institutions.
Background checks show that Sylva, a former governor from the Niger Delta region, has long been a key political figure within the ruling establishment and served as a loyal party member during President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign.
He previously withdrew from a Bayelsa governorship contest amid legal controversies, but has maintained strong influence within the party.
His tenure in the petroleum ministry was marked by promises to revitalize refineries, expand energy infrastructure and boost investor confidence.
The Brass Refinery project, one of Nigeria’s most delayed industrial undertakings, has been subject to multiple allegations of mismanagement and unaccounted funds.
The EFCC’s renewed investigation into the missing $14.8 million is believed to be one of the triggers behind the recent escalation.
Bokuro emphasized that government agencies must never be turned into weapons in political contests.
He said Sylva has served the country “with calmness, loyalty and unwavering patriotism” from his early political career to his federal assignments.
He maintained that even in the face of provocation, Sylva has remained dignified and committed to national stability.
The EFCC has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining the sealing of the property or addressing the allegations of procedural violations.
Public reaction across political circles suggests that the confrontation may widen as calls grow for transparency, fairness and lawful conduct in anti-corruption investigations.