The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the forfeiture case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against nine properties allegedly linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16, 2026.
The case was postponed on Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu after counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, failed to submit a compliance report relating to an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the court.
The anti-graft agency had earlier secured an interim order on April 24 for the temporary forfeiture of the nine properties to the Federal Government. The application was filed through an ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.
Justice Egwuatu 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 meant to give interested parties 14 days to explain why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the government.
At Monday’s proceedings, several lawyers appeared on behalf of individuals and organisations laying claim to some of the affected properties.
Benson Ibezim represented parties linked to properties numbered one and nine on the EFCC’s list. The assets include four blocks of terrace buildings in Dakibiyu and two blocks of structures in Garki currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejiesieme, appeared for parties contesting properties numbered two and five. These include a duplex with a penthouse and office complex in Maitama, as well as eight units of one-bedroom apartments located at No. 8, Misratah Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
Counsel Ajayi Olowo represented claimants connected to property number seven, described as two blocks containing 12 flats situated at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.
Emmanuela Imonikeh also appeared for the third property listed, a standalone duplex located at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
During the hearing, EFCC lawyer Atolagbe informed the court that about six parties had filed affidavits to challenge the proposed forfeiture of some properties. However, he noted that no individual had shown interest in properties numbered four, six and eight.
The unclaimed assets reportedly 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 at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
Atolagbe further disclosed that the EFCC filed a motion on notice on May 22 seeking the final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties to the Federal Government.
However, Justice Egwuatu observed that the motion was not yet in the court file. When questioned about service of court documents on interested parties, the EFCC counsel admitted that only one party had been served.
Although Atolagbe stated that the commission complied with the court’s earlier directive by publishing the order in Tribune and Punch newspapers, he acknowledged that no affidavit of compliance had been filed before the court.
The judge subsequently directed the EFCC to republish the motion seeking final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties and ensure all affected parties are properly served. He also ordered the commission to file the necessary compliance documents and respond to all applications submitted by interested parties before the next hearing date.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to July 16 for further proceedings and a report on compliance.
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