A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim forfeiture order against nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva. The order follows an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presented by counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe, under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the properties are “suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities” and therefore subject to temporary seizure pending a hearing on a final forfeiture motion. The judge directed that a notice be published, inviting any interested party to appear within 14 days and explain why the final order should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The court also ordered the EFCC’s notice to be published within seven days of the official order and adjourned the matter to 25 May for a compliance report.
The nine assets are situated in high‑value locations across Abuja, including terrace buildings in Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse and office space on Niger Street, a unit in Palm Springs Estate, Mpape, and several blocks of flats in Wuse, Garki and Maitama. One of the buildings currently houses the National Information Technology Development Agency in Garki.
The EFCC’s application alleges that the properties are linked to unlawful activities, although details of the suspected offences have not been disclosed. The temporary seizure aims to prevent the dissipation of assets while the court examines the evidence for a final forfeiture decision.
If the final order is granted, the properties will be transferred to the Federal Government, reinforcing the EFCC’s broader anti‑corruption mandate. The upcoming hearing on 25 May will determine compliance with the interim order and set the stage for a conclusive ruling on the ownership of the assets.
