The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further proceedings in the asset forfeiture lawsuit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu set the new date after the EFCC's counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the commission had not yet submitted its report of compliance with a prior interim forfeiture order. The court had granted the interim forfeiture order on April 24, covering nine properties allegedly connected to Sylva, following an ex parte application by the EFCC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.
The properties, situated in upscale areas of Abuja such as Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape, and Dakibiyu, include residential duplexes, office complexes, and multiple blocks of flats.
During Monday's proceedings, several lawyers appeared for parties seeking to contest the forfeiture. Benson Ibezim represented parties linked to properties in Dakibiyu and Garki, including buildings currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ejiesieme appeared for parties connected to a Maitama duplex and an office complex, along with eight flats on Misratah Street, Wuse II. Counsel Ajayi Olowo represented interests tied to two blocks of flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, while Emmanuela Imonikeh appeared for parties linked to a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.
The EFCC disclosed that approximately six parties had already filed affidavits to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. However, the commission told the court that no claimant had come forward for three properties: a 10-unit block of flats in Wuse Zone 4, a six-unit apartment building at Mubi Close, and a standalone duplex on Nile Lake Street in Maitama.
Atolagbe further revealed that the EFCC had filed a motion seeking final forfeiture of the unclaimed properties, but the court noted that the application had yet to appear in its records.
