Court Orders Seizure of Nine Properties Linked to Sylva

On May 25, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, granted an interim forfeiture order for nine properties associated with Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. The order was issued following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought to seize the properties under allegations of unlawful acquisition.

The court's ruling was based on an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC, which requested the temporary seizure of the properties pending a public hearing on the final forfeiture order. The properties, which are located in high-value areas of Abuja, include a duplex, a penthouse, and multiple flats.

The EFCC has previously declared Sylva wanted in connection with a case involving $14.8 million related to the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board refinery project. The court has mandated that public notice of the interim order be published in at least two national newspapers within seven days.