Court Adjourns EFCC Forfeiture Case Against Sylva’s Alleged Properties

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against nine properties linked to former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16.

Naija News reports that Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after the EFCC’s counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, failed to file a report of compliance on the earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court.

Sylva is also a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The court had ordered, on April 24, the temporary forfeiture of the nine properties to the Federal Government.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.

Justice Egwuatu also directed the commission to publish the order in two newspapers within seven days of receiving the certified true copy.

The publication was intended to allow interested persons to show cause within 14 days as to why a final forfeiture order should not be made.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Benson Ibezim appeared for properties listed as numbers one and nine in the EFCC’s schedule.

The properties include four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu and two blocks of buildings in Garki, which are currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

Alex Ejiesieme (SAN), represented parties seeking to show cause in respect of properties listed as numbers two and five.

They include a duplex with a penthouse and office complex at Maitama, and eight units of one-bedroom flats at No. 8, Misratah Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

Ajayi Olowo appeared for property number seven, comprising two blocks with 12 units of flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.

Emmanuela Imonikeh represented the third listed property, described as one standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.

Atolagbe told the court that about six parties had filed affidavits to show cause in respect of some of the properties.

He, however, said no party had indicated interest in three properties listed as numbers four, six and eight.

The unclaimed properties include a block of flats with 10 units at Wuse Zone 4; a block of flats with six units at No. 1, Mubi Close; and one standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.

The EFCC lawyer said a motion on notice seeking final forfeiture of the three properties to the Federal Government was filed on May 22.

Judge Orders Fresh Publication

Justice Egwuatu, however, said the motion was not in the court file.

When asked whether the parties who had shown cause had been served, Atolagbe said only one party had been served.

The EFCC lawyer said the commission had complied with the earlier order by publishing the enrolled order in the Tribune and Punch newspapers, but admitted that he had not filed an affidavit of compliance.

The judge directed him to publish the motion on notice seeking final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties in the same manner as the enrolled order.

He also ordered the EFCC to serve parties yet to be served and file its compliance report in the interest of a fair hearing.

Justice Egwuatu further directed the commission to respond to processes filed by interested parties before the next date.

The matter was adjourned till July 16 for the report of compliance.

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