By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine
properties linked to former minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Timipre
Sylvia, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu made the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, moved an ex-parte motion to
the effect.
Although Justice Egwuatu delivered the ruling on April 24, the enrolled order was
sighted on Wednesday.
The ruling according to the judge stated: “It is hereby ordered as follows:
“An interim order of this honourable 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
final forfeiture order of the said properties.
“An order of this honourable court is made directing the publication of the interim
order under order (1) above for anyone who is interested in the property to appear
before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of
forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Justice Egwuatu also granted the EFCC’s request that the publication of the order
shall be made in any two of the following newspapers: Thisday, Guardian, Punch,
Vanguard, Tribune or Independent Newspapers within 7 days from the receipt of
the certified true copy of the order.
The judge then adjourned the matter until May 25 for a report of compliance.
The commission had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, filed the
application under provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related
Offences Act, 2006.
Moving the motion, Atolagbe sought an interim order, forfeiting the properties to
the Federal Government pending the publication and hearing of the motion on
notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties, adding that the properties
were suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities.
The lawyer urged the court to direct the anti-graft agency to make the publication
of the order in any national newspaper for anyone who is interested in the
properties to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should
not be made in favour of the Federal Government.
The affected assets are located across high-value areas in Abuja.
