Ex-minister Sylva’s aides still in detention, spokesman laments

Detention of Timipre Sylva’s Aides: Bokoru Raises Alarm, Calls for Due Process

The Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, Julius Bokoru, has raised serious concerns over the continued detention of four aides and domestic workers linked to his principal.

In a strongly worded statement titled “Detention of Sylva’s aides: a call for reason, humanity, and due process,” Bokoru revealed that Mr. Paganengigha Anagha—who was the first to be apprehended—remains in custody. He also identified the other detainees as Musa Mohammed (Sylva’s driver), Police Officer Ayuba Reuben, and Mr. Friday Lusa Paul (an escort driver).

According to Bokoru, these arrests stemmed from a raid carried out months ago on Sylva’s Abuja residence by operatives believed to be from military intelligence. During this operation, several aides and relatives of the former Bayelsa State Governor were taken into custody, with no clear explanation provided since then.

EFCC Declares Sylva Wanted Amid Fraud Allegations

Earlier in November, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared the former minister wanted over an alleged $14.8 million fraud. This development came alongside rumours linking Sylva to an alleged aborted military coup—claims which his media team has dismissed as politically motivated.

Sylva, through formal communication, faulted the EFCC’s decision to declare him wanted without issuing a prior invitation. He maintained that he has never ignored any lawful summons and clarified that he was undergoing routine medical checks in the United Kingdom at the time of the announcement.

In response, Sylva has written to the EFCC requesting that a mutually agreed date be set for him to honour the invitation, citing ongoing treatment for a life-threatening condition.

“Innocent Men Suffering in the Crossfire” — Bokoru

Bokoru’s statement expressed deep concern over what he calls the “quiet suffering” of innocent aides who are reportedly being held under unclear and distressing circumstances. He highlighted their families’ ongoing trauma, stating that these men—ordinary Nigerians with families—have been detained without clarity or due process.

He questioned why, despite open communication between Sylva and the EFCC, the detained individuals remain behind bars and why there has been no progress regarding their fate.

Maitama Home Still Under Siege

Bokoru further lamented that Sylva’s home in Maitama remains under heavy surveillance, a situation he says has deeply traumatised the former minister’s children and other household members.

He dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is behind Sylva’s ordeal. Instead, he attributed the events to “selfish individuals with political ambitions,” insisting that the former minister deserves respect for his national service and contributions to the petroleum sector and the Niger Delta peace process.

“A Patriot Should Not Be Humiliated”

Highlighting Sylva’s legacy, Bokoru recalled his role in ensuring the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a major policy milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He also emphasized Sylva's role in midwifing the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which restored peace to the Niger Delta.

According to him, such a figure “cannot be reduced to a pawn in local political rivalries” or targeted by individuals seeking electoral advantage.

Call for Release and Respect for Due Process

Bokoru appealed to security agencies to immediately release the detained aides and lift the reported 24-hour siege on Sylva’s residence. He urged all agencies involved to uphold fairness, transparency, and due process in handling the matter.

He concluded by reaffirming Sylva’s willingness to honour the EFCC invitation once a medically feasible date is agreed upon. Supporters of the former minister, especially within the APC in Bayelsa and beyond, remain hopeful that the current tension will give way to clarity and justice.

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