Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant to former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) sealing of Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja.
In a statement released on Monday titled “A grave breach of decency: EFCC’s attempted raid and defacement of Sylva’s family home”, Bokoru criticised the anti-graft agency for acting without due process.
ROYAL NEWS recalls that the EFCC had declared the former Bayelsa governor wanted in November over an alleged $14.8 million fraud. Prior to the sealing, military intelligence agents reportedly raided Sylva’s Abuja home, arresting his brother and driver over suspected links to a failed coup attempt.
Bokoru condemned the EFCC for failing to invite Sylva before launching the manhunt. He noted that the former minister had even written to the commission last week to request a mutually convenient date to honour its invitation.
“The latest action by the EFCC was carried out without a single letter, subpoena, warrant, or notification, and without adherence to even the most basic lawful procedures,” Bokoru said.
He described the raid as “an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society,” adding that the behaviour was unbecoming of any institution that claims to act in the national interest.
