The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that nine properties associated with former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and presented by its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, it came to public attention on Wednesday, May 6, after the enrolled order was sighted.
The assets listed in the order are spread across upscale locations in Abuja and include a mix of residential and commercial properties.
These comprise four terrace blocks in Dakibiyu, a duplex with penthouse and office space on Niger Street, MStreet, and a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
Also affected are a 10-unit residential block in Wuse Zone 4, additional flats in Garki, and two large residential buildings in Wuse II.
A luxury duplex in Maitama is included, alongside a two-block property in Garki currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
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In granting the application, Justice Egwuatu said: “It is hereby ordered as follows: An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in the schedule attached herein, being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties.
“An order of this honourable court is made directing the publication of the interim order under order (1) above for anyone who is interested in the property to appear before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The court further instructed that the order be published in at least two national newspapers within seven days to allow interested parties respond.
The case was adjourned until May 25 for a compliance report.
The EFCC, in its filing under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, argued that the properties are suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, has also been linked to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, although no formal charges have been filed against him in that matter.