Court Order: Ex-Minister Sylva forfeits 9 properties to Nigeria over alleged coup plot

*Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja grants the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s request to publish the order in any two newspapers within seven days from the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the court order

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Amid the ongoing trial of suspects in the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal High Court, in Abuja, FCT, has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to Chief Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order after Oluwaleke Atolagbe, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), moved an ex parte motion to the effect.

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Though Justice Egwuatu has delivered the ruling April 24, 2026, the enrolled order was sighted Wednesday, May 6, agency report said.

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 a 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.”

Earlier, in moving the motion, Atolagbe had sought an interim order, forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for a final forfeiture order of the said properties.

He said the properties were suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities.

The lawyer urged the court to direct the anti-graft agency to publish the order in any national newspaper, inviting anyone 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.

Justice Egwuatu subsequently, 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 seven days from the receipt of the certified true copy of the order.

He later adjourned the matter until May 25 for a compliance report.

The Commission had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, filed the application under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

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