By Vivian Okejeme
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the multi-property asset forfeiture suit involving former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, until July 16, 2026.
The adjournment follows the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to formally file its report of compliance with the interim forfeiture order previously granted by the court.
Presiding Judge, Justice Egwuatu, ordered the brief pause in the high-profile case on Monday to allow the anti-graft agency to tidy up its legal documentation and ensure all interested parties are properly served before full hearings resume.
The case, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, involves an interim forfeiture order secured by the EFCC on May 22, targeting nine prime properties allegedly linked to Sylva across Abuja.
During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe revealed a fresh development: while the interim order was successfully published in The Punch newspaper, three of the nine assets have received absolutely no ownership claims.
The EFCC disclosed it has already filed a motion on notice seeking the final and permanent forfeiture of these three unclaimed properties to the Federal Government.
The abandoned real estate assets include: A 10-unit block of flats in Wuse Zone 4; a six-unit block of flats at No. 1 Mubi Close; and a standalone duplex located at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
While three properties remain abandoned, the remaining six assets are being actively contested.
About six different parties have filed affidavits to show cause, challenging the EFCC’s attempts to permanently seize their real estate holdings.
Prominent legal figures have stepped in to defend these disputed locations:
Alex Ejiesieme (SAN) is representing parties contesting the forfeiture of an office complex and a duplex with a penthouse in Maitama, alongside eight one-bedroom flats in Wuse II.
Ajayi Olowo appeared on behalf of owners defending 12 units of flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.
Other contested properties include four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu and two blocks of buildings in Garki currently being used by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
To guarantee a fair hearing for all claimants, Justice Egwuatu directed the EFCC to publish the new motion for the final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties in the same public manner as the original interim order.
The court also ordered the prosecution to respond to all affidavits filed by the parties contesting the other six properties and to explicitly file its compliance report before the next court date.
The matter stands adjourned until July 16, 2026, for a comprehensive report of compliance and further hearing.
