By Jane Okafor, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) case seeking the final forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Monday shifted the matter to July 16 after EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the commission had yet to file an affidavit confirming compliance with an earlier interim forfeiture order.
The judge had on April 24 granted the EFCC’s ex parte application for the interim forfeiture of the Abuja properties to the Federal Government. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, involves assets located in some of the capital city’s highbrow districts.
Justice Egwuatu had earlier directed the anti-graft agency to publish the interim forfeiture order in two national newspapers within seven days of receiving the certified true copy of the ruling, giving interested parties 14 days to explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
At Monday’s hearing, several lawyers appeared on behalf of individuals and organisations claiming ownership or interest in some of the properties.
Lawyer Benson Ibezim represented claimants to properties listed as items one and nine — four terrace blocks in Dakibiyu and a two-block building in Garki currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejiesieme, appeared for parties linked to a duplex with penthouse and office complex in Maitama, as well as eight one-bedroom flats on Misratah Street, Wuse II.
Ajayi Olowo represented claimants to a 12-unit apartment block on Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, while Emmanuella Imonikeh appeared for a claimant to a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
However, no party came forward to claim ownership of three properties, including apartment blocks in Wuse Zone 4 and Mubi Close, as well as a duplex in Maitama.
Atolagbe told the court the EFCC had already filed a motion seeking the final forfeiture of the unclaimed properties to the Federal Government and had served one interested party with the application.
The judge subsequently ordered the EFCC to publish the motion for final forfeiture in the same manner as the earlier interim order, serve all outstanding parties, and file proof of compliance to ensure fair hearing.
Justice Egwuatu also directed the EFCC to respond to processes filed by the interested parties before adjourning the matter until July 16.
