The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the federal government and security operatives to respect the human rights of the family members of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva.
The call follows reports that children and relatives of Sylva are reportedly traumatized at his Maitama residence in Abuja, which has been under siege by security personnel. HURIWA appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure law enforcement agencies act cautiously and avoid unconstitutional treatment of family members of individuals allegedly in conflict with the law.
“As a civil rights advocacy body, we are concerned that law enforcement agencies continue to involve family members of an accused citizen who is not immediately available for arrest,” said Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA National Coordinator. “Is it lawful to subject family members to psychological and emotional trauma simply because the individual being sought is unavailable? Family members are entitled to the privacy of their homes, correspondence, and communication.”
The statement comes amid allegations that Sylva, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was accused of financing a coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration and was later declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of funds meant for the Brass petrochemical project—charges Sylva denies.
HURIWA referenced a statement by Chief Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, which highlighted that four aides and domestic staff of the former minister, arrested in October, remain in detention. They include Mr. Paganengigha Anagha, Musa Mohammed (Sylva’s driver), Police Officer Ayuba Reuben, and Friday Lusa Paul (escort driver).
“Yet the most distressing element of this saga is not speculation, but the quiet suffering of innocent men caught in the crossfire. These are fathers, husbands, ordinary Nigerians, held on unclear grounds, causing trauma to their families,” Bokoru said. He further questioned why the aides remain in detention despite clear communication from Sylva to the EFCC expressing his willingness to appear once his medical treatment allows.
Bokoru also called for the release of the aides, urging security agencies to lift the 24-hour siege around Sylva’s children and to adhere strictly to due process, describing it as “the foundation of any civilized society.”
HURIWA reiterated its support for lawful government efforts to combat unlawful conduct but emphasized that family members of accused individuals must not be treated as proxies for alleged offences. The rights group also reminded the government of Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which presumes an accused person innocent until proven guilty, ensuring fairness and the right to defend against allegations.
“A clear conscience fears no allegations,” Onwubiko said. “If Sylva’s health challenges prevent his immediate appearance, he should transparently inform relevant authorities of his location to validate his absence. President Tinubu’s administration must safeguard the human rights of his family. Alleged offences of a father should not be transferred to his children.”