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A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties allegedly linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government. The ruling followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order after the EFCC moved an ex parte motion, arguing that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The court ruled that the assets should remain under temporary forfeiture pending the hearing of a motion for final forfeiture. 
The judge also directed that the order be published in national newspapers, allowing any interested party to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. 
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings, as the EFCC continues its efforts to secure final forfeiture of the properties once investigations and court processes are concluded. 
