Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Timipre Sylva's Properties

On April 24, 2023, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties owned by Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. The order was made following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is part of an investigation into suspected unlawful activities.

The properties, which include high-value real estate in Abuja, are to be forfeited pending a public hearing on the final forfeiture order. The court has directed that anyone with an interest in the properties must show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture should not be granted in favor of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The properties listed in the order include various duplexes, flats, and an office complex located in prime areas such as Maitama and Wuse II. The matter has been adjourned until May 25, 2023, for compliance reporting.