The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the temporary forfeiture of nine properties allegedly connected to former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, in favour of the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling, delivered on April 24, and certified true copy sighted by journalists directs that the assets, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, be held by the government pending further proceedings.
The court also instructed the EFCC to publish the order in at least two national newspapers within seven days, inviting any interested parties to appear and justify why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
A 14-day window was given for such responses.
The affected assets, located in prime areas of Abuja, include multiple residential blocks, duplexes, and office spaces spread across districts such as Dakibiyu, Mpape, Garki, Wuse, and Maitama.
One of the buildings is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.
The case, filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, has been adjourned to May 25 for a compliance report.