Ijaw Youth Council (IYC ) Worldwide
Press Release
10/12/2025
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide Condemns the Unlawful Sealing of Former Minister Timipre Sylva’s Abuja Residence and Calls for an End to Selective Victimisation
“A Disturbing Pattern of Selective Justice – IYC Demands Transparency”
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide wishes to express its profound concern over the recent sealing of the Maitama residence of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The operation, carried out without a warrant, subpoena, or any prior notification, represents a flagrant disregard for the constitutional rights of a respected statesman and a blatant violation of due process.
“No Crime Has Been Established – The Ijaw Nation Awaits Answers”
To date, no formal charge, indictment, or credible evidence has been presented to justify the harsh treatment meted out to Chief Sylva. The IYC notes with disappointment that the former minister, who served Nigeria with the best of his abilities under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is being subjected to a “witch‑hunt” that appears to have no legal foundation. We are yet to learn of any crime committed by the former minister, Chief Timipre Sylva, that warrants such punitive action.
“Selective Targeting of an Ijaw Leader – A Threat to Ethnic Equality”
Chief Sylva is not the only former minister from the Buhari administration; yet, his properties are being sealed while others implicated in far larger alleged financial irregularities continue to operate without similar interference. The IYC views this selective targeting as an alarming precedent that suggests ethnicity may be a factor in the current anti‑corruption drive. An Ijaw son is being singled out, and the council will not remain silent while such bias is perpetuated.
We have also seen how well known terrorists are integrated into the Nigerian Military and even promoted to higher ranks in the Military.
“IYC Supports Lawful Enforcement – But Not Unchecked Abuse of Power”
The Ijaw Youth Council reaffirms its support for all government agencies tasked with combating corruption. We recognise the mandate of the EFCC to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. However, we insist that such agencies must operate strictly within the confines of the law, respecting the rights to a fair hearing, the presumption of innocence, and the sanctity of the home. The manner in which the sealing was executed—spray‑painting walls with “EFCC – Keep Off” and denying occupants access to their residence—undermines the very principles of justice the Commission claims to uphold.
“The Human Cost – Families Displaced, Reputation Tarnished”
The sealing of the residence has left Chief Sylva’s children, relatives, and domestic staff effectively encircled and unable to leave the country freely. Four of his aides—Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Paul, Musa Mohammed, and Police Officer Reuben Ayuba—remain in detention without charge, their liberty stripped on vague and nearly non‑existent allegations. Their prolonged detention is an affront to natural justice and a source of great distress for their families.
“Calls for Immediate Remedial Action”
In light of the foregoing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide calls upon the EFCC and relevant authorities to:
1. Provide the legal instrument authorising the sealing of Chief Sylva’s property and disclose any evidence supporting the action. He has the right to fair hearing.
2. Cease all further intrusive measures against Chief Sylva, his family, and staff until a transparent investigation is concluded.
3. Release the detained aides forthwith, or formally charge them in accordance with due process.
4. Ensure that law‑enforcement agencies are not employed as tools for political vendettas or ethnic targeting.
“A Nation’s Future Depends on Equal Justice”
The IYC stands firm in its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We urge the National Assembly, the Presidency, and all well‑meaning Nigerians to reject any form of selective justice that erodes public trust in our institutions. A nation that permits the persecution of one of its own, solely because of ethnicity or political affiliation, weakens the fabric of its democracy.
“Conclusion – The IYC Remains Vigilant”
The Ijaw Youth Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to mobilise our members and partners in defence of justice and equity. We remain hopeful that truth and fairness will prevail, and that Chief Timipre Sylva will be treated in a manner befitting his service to our country. The IYC will not take it likely if anything happens to Chief Timipre Slva on account of this, the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha saga is still very fresh in our memories.
Signed
Amb (Dr) Binebai Yerin Princewill
Spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide
