Court Orders Forfeiture of Properties Linked to Sylva

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, granted an interim forfeiture order for nine properties allegedly linked to Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. This decision followed an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which argued that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities.

The court's order mandates the publication of this interim order in at least two national newspapers, inviting interested parties to appear in court within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government. The properties, located in high-value areas of Abuja, include several duplexes, office complexes, and blocks of flats.

The case has been adjourned until May 25, with the EFCC's counsel, Oluwalek Atolagb, urging the court to grant the application based on the suspicion of unlawful acquisition.