Court Orders Interim Takeover of Timipre Sylva’s Nine Abuja Properties
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.
The order followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Court Grants EFCC Application
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the interim order after hearing an ex parte motion moved by EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
The ruling forms part of the ongoing Timipre Sylva properties forfeiture proceedings before the court.
Properties Located Across Abuja
According to court documents, the affected assets are located in several high-value areas of Abuja.
The properties include duplexes, terraces and blocks of flats in Dakibiyu, Maitama, Garki, Wuse II and Mpape.
The court said the Timipre Sylva properties forfeiture was based on allegations that the assets may be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Publication Ordered by Court
Justice Egwuatu directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in national newspapers.
Interested parties were given 14 days to appear before the court and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The Timipre Sylva properties forfeiture case was adjourned until May 25 for a compliance report.
EFCC Cites Anti-Fraud Law
The anti-graft agency filed the application under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
EFCC lawyers argued that the Timipre Sylva properties forfeiture order was necessary pending final determination of the matter.
Former Governor Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, Sylva had not publicly responded to the interim forfeiture order.
The former Bayelsa State governor has also been linked to separate allegations in recent months, though no formal charges have been announced in that matter.
The Timipre Sylva properties forfeiture case continues to attract political attention nationwide.