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 made the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel moved an ex parte motion. Though the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday, May 6.
The affected assets are located across high-value areas in Abuja. They include four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu; a duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street; one standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; and a block of flats with 10 units at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4.
Others include blocks of flats with six units at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki; two blocks with 12 units at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II; one standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Maitama; and a two-block building currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki.
The judge ordered that the properties be forfeited pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for a final forfeiture order. He also directed that the interim order be published in any two national newspapers within seven days, and that anyone interested in the properties may appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.
The court adjourned the matter until May 25 for a report of compliance.
Sylva, a former governor of Bay State, has also been mentioned in connection with an alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, though he has not been formally charged in that case and is reportedly still at large.
