Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine high-value properties linked to the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.
Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order following an ex-parte motion moved by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The application, filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, asserts that the assets are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Court Mandates and Deadlines
In granting the interim forfeiture, Justice Egwuatu outlined several key directives to ensure legal due process:
-
Public Notice: The EFCC is required to publish the interim order in a national newspaper within seven days of receiving a certified true copy of the ruling.
-
Right to Contest: The court has invited any interested parties or claimants to appear within 14 days of the publication to "show cause" as to why a final forfeiture order should not be granted in favor of the Federal Government.
-
Next Hearing: The matter has been adjourned until May 25, 2026, for a report on the commission's compliance with the publication order.
Portfolio of Seized Assets
The properties, all located within prime districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), include:
| Property Type | Location |
| Four blocks of terraces | Dakibiyu, Abuja |
| Duplex with penthouse & office complex | No. 3, Niger Street, Maitama |
| Standalone duplex | Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape |
| 10-unit apartment block | No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4 |
| 6-unit apartment block | No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki |
| Two blocks (12 units total) | Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II |
| Standalone duplex | No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama |
| Two-block commercial building | No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki (Currently occupied by NITDA) |
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, represents the latest development in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to recover assets allegedly acquired through illicit means by former public officials.