The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government. The ruling was delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on April 24, 2026, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Details of the Court Order
Justice Egwuatu ordered that the properties, which are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, be temporarily forfeited pending the publication of the order and the hearing of a motion for final forfeiture. The enrolled order, sighted on May 6, 2026, stipulates that any interested party must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the final forfeiture should not be granted in favor of the Federal Government.
Publication Requirements
The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in two national newspapers, including Thisday, Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, Tribune, or Independent, within seven days of receiving the certified copy. The matter has been adjourned until May 25, 2026, for a compliance report.
The EFCC filed the application under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026. During the motion, Atolagbe argued that the properties were linked to unlawful activities and sought the interim forfeiture to prevent their dissipation.
