By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Ijaw youths under the umbrella of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Central Zone, have expressed their concern and displeasure with the way the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has continued to target the former Governor of Bayelsa State and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.

The IYC said verified information reaching the group alleged that operatives of the EFCC on Monday attempted yet another forceful intrusion into Chief Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja and proceeded to deface the property by spray-painting inscriptions without any court order, warrant, or prior notification.

Information Officer, IYC Central Zone
Comrade Ginah Ikio in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, condemned the EFCC’s action and called for immediate adherence to proper legal processes in handling matters involving any citizen, and warns against the politicization of federal agencies and the dangerous precedent such actions set for democracy.

He said the sealing of a private residence—especially one occupied by Sylva’s family member is unacceptable, strange, and raises serious questions about the professionalism of the institution involved, adding that as a respected statesman, Chief Sylva deserves the full protection of the law and the basic courtesy accorded to citizens under a democratic system.

“The EFCC’s action, carried out without a warrant, without a court order, without any formal communication falls far below the minimum standards expected of a federal agency established to uphold justice and due process. Such conduct amounts to a clear violation of his rights and gives room for suspicion that what is unfolding is not lawful investigation but a politically motivated witch-hunt,” Ikio stated.

His words: “”It is saddening that this harassment is happening in a home where children, relatives, and domestic staff reside. Subjecting innocent individuals to fear, uncertainty, and intimidation is an embarrassment to our democracy. Institutions must never deploy state power in a way that endangers families or turns lawful residences into theatres of intimidation.

“The Ijaw Youth Council Central Zone firmly believes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leader known for his respect for institutional order and democratic systems, is not connected to these excesses.
What we are witnessing has all the features of local political vendetta, shamefully disguised as a federal directive.

“Federal institutions must resist attempts by desperate political actors to weaponize agencies of government for personal battles. Chief Timipre Sylva has served Nigeria with loyalty and distinction—from his days as Governor to his stewardship at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The Ijaw nation holds him in high regard, and we will not stand by while attempts are made to humiliate, intimidate, or malign him unjustly.

“The Council also notes with concern the continued detention of Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed, and Officer Reuben Ayuba, who have remained in custody for weeks on vague and unsubstantiated grounds. Their prolonged detention, without clear charges, reinforces fears that this entire episode is driven more by malice than by law.”