The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim forfeiture order for nine properties connected to Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. The order was granted following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Order Details
Justice Obiora Egwuatu presided over the case and directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government. Sylva has been given 14 days to appear before the court and explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited. The case was filed under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Properties Affected
The assets include duplexes, flats, and an office complex located in high-value areas of Abuja. Specifically, the properties are: four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu; a duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street, Maitama; a standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; a block of flats with 10 units at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4; a block of flats with six units at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki; two blocks with 12 units of flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II; a standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama; and a two-block building occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki.
EFCC's Motion
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe argued that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. He requested the court to order the publication of the interim forfeiture in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture should not be granted. The court granted this request, directing that the publication be made within seven days of receiving the certified true copy of the order.
Next Hearing
The judge adjourned the matter until May 25, 2026, for a report on compliance with the publication order. The commission continues to pursue the case under the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, seeking to recover assets believed to be linked to illegal activities.
