Sylva, in a letter personally signed and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, expressed displeasure over the commission’s move to declare him wanted, describing the action as unnecessary and unfair. The letter, dated November 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, stated that the former minister is currently receiving urgent medical attention for a life-threatening health condition.
According to him, he is in constant consultation with his medical team to determine whether he is fit enough to suspend treatment in order to honour the EFCC invitation for interrogation.
The former minister recalled that what started as an unverified allegation linking him to a supposed plot to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led to a military raid on his residence, during which several of his staff — including drivers, security personnel, and domestic workers — were arrested and remain detained.
He noted that while dealing with the emotional strain of those events, the EFCC on November 10, 2025, declared him wanted over the alleged $14.8 million fraud. He clarified that he had previously honoured an invitation from the EFCC in December 2024 regarding the same matter, where he provided all necessary explanations and was granted administrative bail on self-recognition.
Sylva said he was shocked to learn through public channels that he had been declared wanted, insisting he was never re-invited by the EFCC after his last appearance. He also refuted claims that he jumped bail, stressing that no bail condition was in place for him to violate.
He warned that the unfolding events risk creating public misconceptions and could be viewed as a political witch-hunt, especially as he appears to have been targeted since the beginning of the current administration.
“I remain a law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Sylva concluded, adding that he has never evaded any lawful invitation from any competent security agency.
PUNCH Online reported on November 11 that the EFCC had declared the former minister wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
