Abuja High Court Seizes 9 Luxury Assets Linked to Timipre Sylva Amid EFCC Crackdown
The federal government has tightened its grip on high-value real estate allegedly tied to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order for nine choice properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The Forfeiture: Prime Real Estate Under Lock
Acting on an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the court ordered the temporary seizure of assets across Abuja’s most expensive districts. The EFCC successfully argued that the properties were acquired through illegal means under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
The seized portfolio includes:
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Wuse & Maitama: A standalone duplex in Maitama and multiple blocks of flats in Wuse II and Zone 4.
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Garki & Dakibiyu: A six-unit block of flats in Garki and four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu.
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Government-Occupied Assets: A two-block structure in Garki currently housing the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
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Commercial & Penthouse Units: A duplex with a penthouse and office complex on Niger Street.
Timipre Marlin Sylva
A 14-Day Ultimatum
Justice Egwuatu directed the EFCC to publish this order in two national newspapers within seven days. Any interested parties have exactly 14 days from the publication date to appear in court and prove why these assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Beyond Corruption: The “At Large” Status
The asset seizure comes at a turbulent time for the former Bayelsa State Governor. Beyond the EFCC’s corruption probe, Sylva has been linked to an alleged failed coup plot against the current administration. Although no formal charges have been filed regarding the plot, Sylva is reportedly at large.
The court has adjourned the matter until May 25, 2026, for a report on the publication’s compliance.
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