Aide Raises Fresh Alarm As EFCC Paints “Keep Off” On Sylva’s Residence

Julius Bokoru, special assistant on media and public affairs to former minister of state for petroleum resources, Timipre Sylva, has raised fresh concerns 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 paint.

Bokoru said EFCC officers arrived at the residence on Monday and spray-painted the walls with the inscription “EFCC — KEEP OFF”, a move he described as an “affront to decency” and a disturbing violation of due process. He said the action was carried out without a letter, warrant, subpoena or any formal notification.

According to him, the development has deepened tensions within the household, especially as Sylva’s children, relatives and staff have reportedly been confined to the home for weeks. He questioned how innocents disconnected from political rivalry should continue to endure what he called an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The aide insisted that the conduct of the operatives does not reflect the values of a democracy governed by law. He suggested that the incident appeared driven by local political motives rather than any directive from President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a leader committed to due process and institutional integrity.

Bokoru also drew attention to 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 noted that the detentions capture the broader concerns about what he views as an emerging pattern of overreach.

Despite the tensions, he expressed hope that justice would prevail, saying Nigeria had survived previous periods of institutional heavy-handedness and would overcome this episode as well.