A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government over alleged proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday.
The properties, located in some of Abuja’s upscale districts, include four blocks of terrace buildings in Dakibiyu; a duplex with a penthouse and office complex on Niger Street, MStreet; a standalone duplex in Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; and a 10-unit apartment block on Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4.
Others are a six-unit apartment block on Mubi Close, Garki; two blocks comprising 12 flats on Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II; a duplex located at Nile Lake in Maitama; and a two-block building on Aguta Street, Garki, currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.
In the ruling, Justice Egwuatu held that the assets were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should remain under interim forfeiture pending the determination of a motion for final forfeiture.
“It is hereby ordered as follows: An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in the schedule attached herein, being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties,” the judge ruled.
The court also directed the EFCC to publish the order in at least two national newspapers within seven days to allow interested parties to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The matter was adjourned until May 25 for a report of compliance.
The anti-graft agency filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, has also been linked in recent reports to an alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, although no formal charge has been filed against him in relation to the allegation.
