The Federal High Court in Abuja, has adjourned further proceedings in the asset forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against properties linked to the former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16, 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s asset forfeiture case against Timipre Sylva was adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja until July 16, 2026.
- The case involves nine Abuja properties allegedly linked to Sylva, including buildings in Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape, and Dakibiyu.
- The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order and was directed to publish notices for interested parties to contest the forfeiture.
- Several lawyers appeared in court representing individuals and entities challenging the forfeiture of the properties, while three properties remained unclaimed.
- Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the EFCC to publish its motion for final forfeiture, serve all affected parties, and file a compliance report before the next hearing date.
The case, which involves nine properties allegedly connected to Sylva, was adjourned on Monday, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, after counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the commission had not yet filed a report showing compliance with an earlier interim forfeiture order.
The anti-graft agency had secured an interim forfeiture order on April 24 through an ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.
The properties, located in highbrow areas of Abuja, include residential and commercial buildings in Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.
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Sylva, a former inister of State for Petroleum Resources, has been linked to the assets the EFCC is seeking to be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
Following the interim order, the court directed the EFCC to publish notices in two national newspapers within seven days, to allow interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
At Monday’s proceedings, several lawyers appeared on behalf of individuals and entities challenging the forfeiture process.
Benson Ibezim represented parties linked to properties listed as numbers one and nine in the EFCC schedule, including four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu and two buildings in Garki, reportedly occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Alex Ejiesieme (SAN), represented parties connected to properties listed as numbers two and five, including a duplex with a penthouse and office complex in Maitama, alongside eight one-bedroom flats in Wuse II.
Ajayi Olowo appeared for parties linked to another property comprising two blocks containing 12 flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.
Another counsel, Emmanuela Imonikeh, represented parties tied to a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel, Atolagbe disclosed that about six parties had already filed affidavits to challenge the forfeiture proceedings, while no one had come forward to claim three of the properties.
The unclaimed assets include a 10-unit block of flats in Wuse Zone 4, a six-unit block of flats on Mubi Close and a duplex located at No. 18 Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
The EFCC said it had already filed a motion seeking final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties, arguing that no interested parties had contested the interim order.
However, the court noted that the motion was not yet in the case file.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently directed the EFCC to publish the motion for final forfeiture in the same manner the interim order was published.
The judge also ordered the commission to serve all affected parties and file a compliance report relating to the interim forfeiture order to ensure fair hearing.
He further instructed the EFCC to respond to all court processes filed by parties contesting the forfeiture before adjourning the matter to July 16 for compliance report.
