The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties connected to Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
Although the ruling was made on April 24, the enrolled order was officially sighted on Wednesday. In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated, “It is hereby ordered as follows: An interim order of this honorable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in the schedule attached herein, being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for a final forfeiture order of the said properties.”
The judge also directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in two national newspapers, including Thisday, Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, Tribune, or Independent Newspapers, within seven days of receiving the certified true copy of the order. The publication is to inform anyone interested in the properties and allow them to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be made in favor of the Federal Government.
The case was adjourned until May 25 for a compliance report.
The properties in question are situated in prime areas of Abuja, including:
* Four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu
* A duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street, MStreet
* A standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape
* A block of flats with 10 units at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4
* A block of flats with six units at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki
* Two blocks with 12 units of flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II
* A standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama
* Two blocks of buildings currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki
The EFCC filed the application under the provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, seeking the forfeiture of these properties as they are suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.
