EFCC Forfeiture Case Against Timipre Sylva Adjourned To July 16

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

Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after the EFCC failed to file a compliance report on an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the court.

The court had on April 24 ordered the temporary forfeiture of nine properties allegedly linked to Sylva, who also served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The interim order followed an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.

Justice Egwuatu had also directed the anti-graft agency to publish the order in two national newspapers within seven days and asked interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The properties in question are located in high-brow areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Dakibiyu and Mpape.

At Monday’s proceedings, several lawyers appeared for individuals and organisations claiming interest in some of the properties. Benson Ibezim represented parties linked to properties in Dakibiyu and Garki, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejiesieme, appeared for claimants connected to Maitama and Wuse II properties.

Other counsel included Ajayi Olowo for a property at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, and Emmanuela Imonikeh for a duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.

The EFCC told the court that while some parties had filed affidavits challenging the forfeiture, no claimant had come forward for three of the properties listed in the suit.

The unclaimed assets include blocks of flats in Wuse Zone 4 and Mubi Close, as well as a standalone duplex in Maitama.

The Commission also informed the court that it had filed a motion seeking final forfeiture of the unclaimed properties, but the judge noted that the application was not yet in the court file.

Justice Egwuatu therefore directed the EFCC to properly publish the motion, serve all affected parties, and file necessary compliance documents before the next adjourned date.