The EFCC forfeiture case involving Timipre Sylva has been rescheduled for July 16.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to July 16.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after the EFCC failed to file a compliance report on an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the court.
Nine properties allegedly connected to Sylva, who was also the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, were temporarily forfeited by the court on April 24.
The EFCC, through its attorney Oluwaleke Atolagbe, filed an ex parte application in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, which resulted in the interim order.
In addition, Justice Egwuatu asked interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to provide justification for why the assets shouldn’t be permanently forfeited to the federal government and instructed the anti-graft agency to publish the order in two national newspapers within seven days.
The properties in question are situated in Abuja’s upscale neighborhoods of Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Dakibiyu, and Mpape.
Several attorneys representing people and organizations with an interest in some of the properties attended the proceedings on Monday. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejiesieme appeared on behalf of claimants associated with properties in Maitama and Wuse II, while Benson Ibezim represented parties associated with properties in Dakibiyu and Garki.
Other attorneys were Emmanuela Imonikeh for a duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape, and Ajayi Olowo for a property at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.
Although some parties had submitted affidavits contesting the forfeiture, the EFCC informed the court that no claimant had shown up for three of the properties mentioned in the lawsuit.
Blocks of apartments in Mubi Close and Wuse Zone 4, as well as a single duplex in Maitama, are among the unclaimed assets.
Additionally, the Commission told the court that it had submitted a motion for the final forfeiture of the unclaimed properties; however, the judge pointed out that the application was not yet in the court file.
Therefore, before the next adjourned date, Justice Egwuatu ordered the EFCC to properly publish the motion, serve all parties involved, and file the required compliance documents.
