Court Orders Forfeiture of Nine Properties Linked to Sylva

On May 6, 2024, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order for nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sylva. The order was issued following an ex parte motion by Oluwalek Atolagb, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The properties, located in high-value areas of Abuja, include a duplex villa in Palm Spring Estate, a penthouse on Niger Street, and several flats in Wuse and Garki. The court's order allows the EFCC to publish the interim order in two national newspapers and requires the EFCC to file a compliance report by May 25, 2024.

The properties are suspected to be proceeds from unlawful activities, and the court has allowed interested parties to show cause within 14 days why a final forfeiture order should not be made in favor of the federal government. Sylva has been mentioned in connection with plots against President Bola Tinubu, although no formal charges have been filed against him.