Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Properties Linked to Timipre Sylva

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties allegedly linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The order followed an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court ruled that the properties, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, should be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the determination of a motion for final forfeiture.

Justice Egwuatu also directed that the forfeiture order be published in at least two national newspapers, inviting interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.

The judge ordered that the publication be made within seven days after obtaining the certified true copy of the ruling, while the matter was adjourned until May 25 for a compliance report.

Counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, argued that the properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

The affected assets are located in several high-profile areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Mpape, and Dakibiyu.

Among the listed properties are multiple terrace blocks, duplexes, office complexes, and residential flats, including a structure reportedly occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The application was filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Sylva has also been mentioned in connection with an alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, although he has not been formally charged over the allegation.