The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine high-value properties allegedly linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.
The order was granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Counsel to the anti-graft agency, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, moved the application before the court, arguing that the properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled court order became public on Wednesday, May 6, drawing renewed attention to the corruption allegations surrounding the former minister.
The properties affected by the court order are located in some of Abuja’s most expensive districts and estates, including Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.
Among the assets listed for interim forfeiture are four blocks of terrace buildings located in Dakibiyu, Abuja, as well as a duplex with a penthouse and office complex situated at No. 3 Niger Street, MStreet, Abuja.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of a standalone duplex identified as Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape, in addition to a block of flats comprising 10 apartment units located at No. 8 Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Other properties affected include blocks of flats with six apartment units at No. 1 Mubi Close, Garki, Abuja, and two separate blocks containing 12 apartment units located at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Another luxury property listed in the court documents is a standalone duplex located at No. 18 Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama, one of Abuja’s most exclusive residential districts.
The ninth property ordered forfeited is a two-block office complex located at No. 5 Aguta Street, Garki, Abuja, which is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated that the court was satisfied with the submissions made by the EFCC and consequently granted the interim forfeiture request pending further proceedings.
“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,” the judge ruled.
The court further directed that interested persons or parties who may have claims to the properties must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Egwuatu also approved the EFCC’s request for the interim forfeiture order to be published in national newspapers to notify the public and allow interested parties the opportunity to challenge the forfeiture.
According to the ruling, the publication is to be made within seven days in at least two major national newspapers, including ThisDay, The Guardian, PUNCH, Vanguard, Tribune or Independent Newspapers.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until May 25 for a report of compliance regarding the publication and other directives issued by the court.
The EFCC had filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
While arguing the application, EFCC counsel Atolagbe maintained that the properties under investigation were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
He urged the court to preserve the assets temporarily while investigations and legal proceedings continue.
The anti-graft agency also requested permission to notify the public through newspaper publications so that any individual or organisation claiming ownership or interest in the properties could come forward before the court makes a final decision.
The development represents another major legal challenge for Sylva, who served as governor of Bayelsa State before becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former minister has faced several corruption-related allegations in recent years, although he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Political observers note that the interim forfeiture order could have serious implications for Sylva’s political future, especially as conversations around the 2027 elections continue to intensify.
The case has also generated renewed public debate over corruption, asset recovery and accountability among former public office holders in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, reports have also linked Sylva’s name to an alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, although authorities have not formally charged him in relation to the allegation.
According to reports, Sylva was mentioned during ongoing investigations into the alleged conspiracy, but security agencies are yet to publicly present evidence directly connecting him to the matter.
He is also reportedly not currently in custody and has not appeared before any court in relation to the alleged coup investigation.
The EFCC’s latest action, however, focuses strictly on the ownership and acquisition of the Abuja properties believed to be connected to alleged illicit financial activities.
Legal analysts say the interim forfeiture does not amount to a criminal conviction, as the court is still expected to hear arguments from any interested parties before deciding whether the assets should be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Under Nigerian law, interim forfeiture orders are commonly used by anti-corruption agencies to prevent the sale, transfer or concealment of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime while investigations and prosecution continue.
The final determination will depend on whether the EFCC can establish sufficient evidence linking the assets to unlawful activities and whether any counterclaims are successfully presented before the court.
As the case proceeds, attention is expected to remain focused on the former minister and the broader anti-corruption campaign of the Federal Government.
