The 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.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order after an ex parte motion was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled court order was made public on May 6.
The affected properties are located in several high-value areas of Abuja. They include four blocks of terrace buildings in Dakibiyu; a duplex with a penthouse and office complex at No. 3 Niger Street, MStreet; a standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; and a 10-unit block of flats at No. 8 Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4.
Other properties listed in the order include a six-unit block of flats at No. 1 Mubi Close, Garki; two blocks containing 12 flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II; and a standalone duplex at No. 18 Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
Also affected is a two-block building currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency at No. 5 Aguta Street, Garki, Abuja.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated that the properties, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, should be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the hearing and determination of a motion for final forfeiture.
The court further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in at least two national newspapers within seven days. Interested parties were given 14 days to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The matter was adjourned until May 25 for a report on compliance.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, was filed under the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC, the properties are suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means, prompting the agency to seek an interim forfeiture order pending the hearing for final forfeiture.
Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, has also reportedly been mentioned in connection with an alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. However, he has not been formally charged in relation to that allegation.
