The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, moved an ex parte motion to the effect.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that though Justice Egwuatu delivered the ruling on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday, May 6.
The affected assets are located across high-value areas in Abuja.
They include four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu; a duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street, MStreet; one standalone duplex at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; and a block of flats with 10 units of flats at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Others are blocks of flats with six units of flats at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki, Abuja; two blocks with 12 units of flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; one standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama, Abuja,
The ninth property is a two-block building, which is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency, and is located at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki, Abuja.
The judge said: “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.