The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order temporarily forfeiting nine Abuja properties allegedly connected to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
The order was granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following an ex parte application filed by the anti-graft agency.
The commission told the court that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and sought their temporary forfeiture pending the hearing of a motion for final forfeiture.
Ruling on the application, Justice Egwuatu ordered that the assets be forfeited to the Federal Government on an interim basis and directed that the order be published in national newspapers to enable any interested persons to challenge the action.
The court gave affected parties 14 days from the date of publication to appear and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
The assets, spread across prime districts of the Federal Capital Territory, include residential and commercial developments in Maitama, Wuse II, Wuse Zone 4, Garki, Dakibiyu and Mpape.
Among the properties listed are a duplex with a penthouse and office complex in Maitama, four blocks of terrace apartments in Dakibiyu, a standalone duplex in Palm Springs Estate, Mpape, and several blocks of flats in different parts of the capital city.
Also affected are buildings reportedly occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Garki.
The latest court order forms part of an ongoing EFCC investigation involving the former governor. Sylva has previously faced scrutiny over an alleged $14.8 million investment linked to a refinery project, a matter that prompted the commission to obtain an arrest warrant against him from a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the case for a report on compliance with the publication order and further proceedings on the application for final forfeiture.
The ruling marks another significant step in the anti-corruption agency’s efforts to recover assets believed to have been acquired through illicit means.