Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has asked Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency to set a new date for him to answer questions over an alleged $14.8 million fraud, saying he is currently undergoing urgent medical treatment.
In a letter sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 24 November and acknowledged by the agency two days later, Mr Sylva described reports that he may be declared wanted as “unnecessary and premature.”
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, he is receiving treatment for what he called a “life-threatening” health condition and cannot interrupt the process until his doctors give clearance.
Mr Sylva appealed to the EFCC to agree on a new date that would allow him to appear once he is medically stable.
“In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me to appear physically,” he wrote.
He added that he trusted the agency’s intention was to conduct a genuine investigation and not to place him at risk.
“For only the living can fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly deny,” he said.
Sylva also reminded the EFCC that he honoured an invitation in December 2024, provided detailed explanations, and was granted administrative bail on self-recognition. He said he was informed at the time that he would only be contacted again if further clarification was needed.
The EFCC declared him wanted on 10 November 2025 following a warrant issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos on 6 November.
Mr Sylva, a former minister and influential figure in the ruling political circles, has denied any wrongdoing.
