EFCC secures temporary seizure of Timipre Sylva’s properties in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a federal high court order for the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to Timipre Sylva, former minister of state for petroleum resources.

​Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on April 24, following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC seeking the temporary seizure of the assets pending a final forfeiture hearing. The enrolled order was made public on Wednesday.

​In the ruling, Egwuatu said: “An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in the attached schedule, being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties”.

​The court also directed the commission to publish the order in any two national newspapers within seven days of receiving the certified copy. This notice will allow interested parties 14 days to appear in court and show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the federal government.

​Oluwaleke Atolagbe, EFCC counsel, told the court that the properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, was brought under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

​The properties are located across Abuja and include four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse at No. 3 Niger Street, and a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape. Other assets include a block of 10 flats at No. 8 Sefadu Street and a building occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency in Garki. The court adjourned the matter to May 25.