By Wellington Jopelo
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva has suffered a fresh legal setback after a Federal High Court in Abuja approved the interim takeover of nine properties linked to him.
The ruling followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which told the court the properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the request and ordered that the assets be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending further hearings on the matter.
The affected properties are said to be located in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Mpape, and Dakibiyu.
Among the assets listed are luxury duplexes, office buildings, blocks of flats, and terrace apartments allegedly connected to the former minister.
The court also directed that the forfeiture order be published publicly to allow anyone with interest in the properties to appear before the court and explain why the assets should not be permanently seized.
The anti-graft agency filed the case under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, insisting that investigations linked the properties to suspicious activities.
Although Sylva has not been convicted of any offence, the latest ruling places the properties under temporary government control while the legal process continues.
Political observers say the development adds to growing scrutiny around former public officials and the source of high-value assets linked to them.
As the matter heads toward the next hearing date, attention is now focused on whether fresh evidence or legal challenges could influence the court’s final decision on the properties.