Court orders interim takeover of Sylva’s nine properties

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The ruling, which was made public on May 6, 2026, follows an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.

The Court's Ruling
Reasoning: Justice Egwuatu stated that the properties are suspected to be "proceeds of some unlawful activities."

The Freeze: The interim order serves as a legal freeze, transferring temporary control of the assets to the Federal Government.

The Next Steps: The EFCC has been directed to publish the order in two national newspapers within seven days. This allows any interested party 14 days to appear in court and show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be granted.

Next Hearing: The case has been adjourned to May 25, 2026, for a report on compliance.

The Affected Properties
All nine properties are located in high-value areas of Abuja:

Dakibiyu: Four blocks of terraces.

M Street, Wuse: A duplex with a penthouse and an office complex at No. 3 Niger Street.

Mpape: A standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate.

Wuse Zone 4: A block of 10 flats at No. 8 Sefadu Street.

Garki: A six-unit block of flats at No. 1 Mubi Close.

Wuse II: Two blocks containing 12 flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent.

Maitama: A standalone duplex at No. 18 Nile Lake, Plot 1271.

Garki: A two-block building at No. 5 Aguta Street (currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA).

Specific Schedule: Additional terrace structures as listed in the EFCC’s attached schedule.

This seizure comes at a time when Sylva is facing multiple legal challenges. Reports indicate he is currently "at large" following a 13-count charge filed by the federal government, which includes allegations ranging from financial misappropriation to a separate plot involving national security.