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 following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Court grants EFCC application

The ruling, delivered on April 24 but sighted on Wednesday, directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited pending further proceedings.

The court held that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should remain under government control until a final decision is reached.

14-day window for objections

Justice Egwuatu also ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture in national newspapers.

He directed that any interested party must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

The matter was adjourned to May 25 for a report of compliance.

Properties spread across Abuja

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

They include multiple blocks of flats, terrace buildings, duplexes, and a commercial property currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

EFCC cites unlawful proceeds

The anti-graft agency filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.