Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Julius Bokoru, has raised alarm over the continued detention of four aides and domestic workers associated with Timipre Sylva.
Detained Individuals Identified
In a strongly-worded statement titled 'Detention of Sylva's aides: a call for reason, humanity and due process,' Bokoru identified the detained individuals as Mr Paganengigha Anagha, who was the first to be arrested, Musa Mohammed (Sylva's driver), police officer Ayuba Reuben, and Mr Friday Lusa Paul, an escort driver.
Bokoru expressed deep concern about the circumstances surrounding their detention, stating that these men have been held on grounds that remain unclear to their families. He emphasized that these individuals are fathers and husbands who find themselves caught in what appears to be a political crossfire.
EFCC Engagement and Medical Concerns
The media aide revealed that despite clear and formal communication between Sylva and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the detention continues. Timipre Sylva has written to the EFCC reaffirming his readiness to appear before the commission, though he noted this would need to be scheduled around his ongoing treatment for a life-threatening medical condition.
Bokoru also referenced previous attempts to link the former minister to a purported coup plot, allegations that both the Federal Government and military have since dismissed completely. He expressed disappointment that such clarity hasn't stabilized the situation.
Home Under Siege and Political Motivations
The situation has extended beyond the detained aides, with Bokoru reporting that Sylva's Maitama home has been under security siege, causing trauma to children and other household members confined within the property.
Bokoru suggested that President Bola Tinubu is likely not behind these developments, but rather that some selfish individuals pursuing political ambitions are orchestrating these events. He insisted that Sylva deserves respect for his contributions to the petroleum sector and the Amnesty Programme, which brought permanent peace to the Niger Delta region.
The media aide concluded by warning that these events carry a heavy toll on individuals, families, and democratic values that demand fairness, transparency and proportionality. He also noted the risk of overshadowing Sylva's legacy in championing the Petroleum Industry Bill that eventually became the Petroleum Industry Act.
