"Keep Off": Knocks as EFCC Seals Residence of Buhari's Ex-Minister

• The EFCC has faced criticism over allegations that it sealed the residence of Timipre Sylva, the former minister of state for petroleum under the administration of late president Muhammadu Buhari
• Julius Bokoru, spokesperson for the former minister, accused the EFCC of acting arbitrarily in seizing the property, describing it as a clear violation of democratic principles
• Bokoru accused the EFCC of exploiting its position for political gain, claiming the agency sealed the property without a subpoena, warrant, prior notice, or basic adherence to due process

Timipre Sylva, the former minister of state for petroleum under the administration of late Muhammadu Buhari, is having a tough time with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as his residence in Abuja was reportedly sealed by the anti-graft agency.

Julius Bokoru, the special assistant on media and public affairs to the former minister, criticised the EFCC for the move, saying that the action of the agency was vindictive, arbitrary and a clear violation of democratic principles.

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Buhari's minister's aide accuses the EFCC

In a statement on Monday, December 8, the former minister's aide alleged that the EFCC acted “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, the operatives of the agency spray-painted the words “EFCC — Keep Off” on the wall of the former minister's residence as if it belonged to a fugitive rather than a respected Nigerian

He accused the EFCC of using its power to settle political scores and condemned the continued detention of Sylva's aides and domestic staff. He listed Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed, and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba as those being detained by the agency. He noted that their confinement was unjust and based on insubstantial allegations.

Reactions as Sylva's aide accuses EFCC

Bokoru's comment has started generating reactions from some supporters of the former minister. Below are some of their reactions:

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Amadu Timi wrote:

"I think this is the right time for INC to speak out, it is indeed political witch-hunting of an Ijaw man, it's not when a life is being lost, then they will come out and start to read out his or her achievements. Justice must prevail if we truly love ourselves. Today, it might be H.E. Timipre Silva, who knows who else in izon-ibe."

Ojoko Martins said:

"In PS 91 God say He prepares a table before in the presence of your enemy, so this is already a won battle, if you go down, God say He will never leave or forsake you, is a promise?"

Luckybau Ewa prayed:

"With God, all things are possible for our good. It will all end with praise, amen."

Engr Alabo Stephen Kune prayed:

"Every storm is a passing phase. This one also comes to pass IJN."

See the full statement here:

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Sylva denies sponsoring coup against Tinubu's government

Legit.ng earlier reported that former President Muhammadu Buhari's former minister of state for petroleum, Timipre Sylva, denied the rumour of sponsoring a coup against the president.

Sylva, who earlier served as the governor of Bayelsa state, said the rumour is totally false and politically motivated.

However, the former governor confirmed that his residence was raided by some military personnel, who did not disclose the motive of their actions.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng