The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has postponed proceedings in the forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against nine properties allegedly connected to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter until July 16 after counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, failed to submit a compliance report regarding the interim forfeiture order earlier granted by the court.
The properties in dispute were temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government following an ex parte application filed by the anti-graft agency on April 24 under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.
The court had also instructed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in two national newspapers within seven days after obtaining the certified true copy of the ruling. The publication was aimed at allowing interested individuals to appear before the court and explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
During Monday’s hearing, several lawyers appeared for parties claiming ownership or interest in some of the properties.
Benson Ibezim represented parties linked to properties numbered one and nine, which include four terrace blocks in Dakibiyu and two buildings in Garki currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejiesieme, represented parties challenging the forfeiture of properties listed as numbers two and five. The properties include a duplex with a penthouse and office complex in Maitama, as well as eight one-bedroom apartments located at No. 8 Misratah Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
Ajayi Olowo appeared for property number seven, made up of two blocks containing 12 flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, while Emmanuela Imonikeh represented the claimant linked to a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
Speaking before the court, EFCC counsel Atolagbe disclosed that about six parties had filed affidavits to challenge the proposed forfeiture of some of the assets.
However, he stated that no claims had been made regarding properties numbered four, six and eight. The affected properties include a 10-unit block of flats in Wuse Zone 4, a six-unit apartment building at No. 1 Mubi Close, and a standalone duplex located at No. 18 Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
According to him, the commission filed a motion on notice on May 22 seeking the final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties to the Federal Government.
Justice Egwuatu, however, noted that the motion was not yet contained in the court’s file.
When asked whether all interested parties had been served with the necessary documents, the EFCC lawyer admitted that only one party had been served so far.
Atolagbe also informed the court that the commission complied with the earlier publication order by placing notices in Tribune and Punch newspapers, although he acknowledged that no affidavit of compliance had been filed.
The judge subsequently ordered the EFCC to republish the motion seeking final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties and ensure that all concerned parties are properly served.
Justice Egwuatu further directed the commission to file its compliance report and respond to all applications submitted by interested parties before the next hearing date.
The matter was thereafter adjourned until July 16 for further proceedings.
READ ALSO:
