Julius Bokoru, media aide to former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva, alleges EFCC operatives carried out an unauthorized raid and defaced Sylva’s Maitama home with red paint, raising fresh concerns over due process and ongoing detentions
Timipre Sylva Aide Alleges Illegal EFCC Raid, Defacement of Ex-Minister’s Abuja Residence
Julius Bokoru, special assistant on media and public affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has raised fresh alarm after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly attempted another raid on Sylva’s Maitama residence and defaced the property with red markings.
According to Bokoru, EFCC personnel arrived at the Abuja property on Monday and spray-painted the walls with the inscription “EFCC — KEEP OFF.” He condemned the action as an “affront to decency” and a troubling breach of due process, noting that the operatives allegedly acted “without a letter, warrant, subpoena or any formal notification.”
He said the incident has intensified distress within the household, as Sylva’s children, relatives and staff have reportedly been confined indoors for weeks. Bokoru questioned why individuals with no link to political tensions should be subjected to what he described as an atmosphere of fear and prolonged uncertainty.
The aide argued that the conduct of the operatives undermines the principles of a democracy guided by the rule of law. He suggested the episode appeared to be fuelled by local political interests, insisting it did not align with the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as committed to due process and institutional integrity.
Bokoru further highlighted the continued detention of four individuals — Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba — who he said have been held for weeks on “vague and insubstantial allegations.” He said their ordeal reflects a broader pattern of what he views as institutional overreach.
Despite the rising tensions, Bokoru expressed optimism that justice would eventually prevail, saying Nigeria had endured past episodes of heavy-handedness and would “overcome this one as well.” Read More
