A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled order was obtained on Wednesday.
The judge ruled that the properties, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, are forfeited on an interim basis pending the publication of the order and the hearing of a motion for final forfeiture.2
Justice Egwuatu also directed that any party with an interest in the assets must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.
The EFCC has been ordered to publish the interim forfeiture notice in any two national newspapers—including Thisday, The Guardian, The Punch, Vanguard, Tribune, or The Independent—within seven days of receiving the certified true copy of the order. The matter has been adjourned until May 25 for a compliance report.
The commission filed the application under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.
The nine properties, all located in high-value areas of Abuja, include:
· Four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu
· A duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street, MStreet
· A standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape
· A block of ten flats at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4
· A block of six flats at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki, Abuja
· Two blocks comprising 12 flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II
· A standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama
· A two-block building currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki, Abuja
