The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order following an ex-parte application filed by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Although the ruling was delivered on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday.
In the ruling, the judge ordered that the listed properties, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, be temporarily forfeited pending the determination of a motion on notice for final forfeiture.
Justice Egwuatu also directed that the interim order be published in two national newspapers within seven days of receipt of the certified true copy of the order, to allow any interested party to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
He further adjourned the matter to May 25 for a report of compliance.
The EFCC, in suit brought the application under the provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, arguing that the properties were suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.
The affected assets are located in high-value areas of Abuja. One of the properties, a two-block building at No. 5 Aguta Street, Garki, currently houses the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
