The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday denied allegations that its operatives “raided” the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, insisting that the property in Maitama was only marked as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the operation was a routine investigative procedure — not a forceful raid.
Oyewale, in an interview with Punch, clarified that the buildings were marked for further investigation and that no force was used.
He said, “What happened on that premises was not a raid. As an operational principle, we do not conduct raids.
“No force was applied. All the residents of the building were not ejected. There was no forceful intrusion into the premises. We came, we did our job, and we left.
“We don’t need a court order. He is a suspect who is under investigation and had already been declared wanted. So whatever we are doing is in furtherance of our investigation into the matter.”
Sylva’s Camp Calls EFCC Action “Arbitrary And Vindictive”
Earlier, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, condemned the commission’s action, describing it as an arbitrary and vindictive sealing of the property.
“Without a single letter, without a subpoena, without a warrant, without notification, and without even the most basic adherence to lawful process,” Bokoru had alleged, arguing that the act represented political interference and posed a threat to democratic institutions.
The EFCC had earlier declared Sylva wanted, over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of US$14,859,257.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]