Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, asking for a new date to be mutually agreed on for him to appear over an alleged $14.8 million fraud.

In the letter, dated November 24 and received by the EFCC on November 26, Sylva said the plan to declare him wanted was “unnecessary and too early.”

The antigraft agency declared him wanted on November 10, 2025, following a warrant issued on November 6, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

He explained that he is undergoing urgent medical treatment for a life-threatening condition.

The former Bayelsa State Governor added that he is in touch with his doctors to know when it will be safe to pause treatment and respond to the EFCC.

Sylva wrote: “In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me to appear physically.

“I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to harm me but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime, in which case my request will be in order.

“For only the living can fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly deny.”

Sylva also reminded the EFCC that he had complied with a previous invitation in December 2024, provided detailed explanations, and was granted administrative bail on self-recognition, with the understanding that he would only be contacted again if further clarification was needed.