The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the forfeiture suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against nine properties allegedly linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16, 2026.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu postponed the matter after counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, failed to submit a compliance report regarding an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the court.
The anti-graft agency had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on April 24, directing the temporary takeover of the properties by the Federal Government pending further proceedings.
During Monday’s hearing, several lawyers appeared on behalf of individuals and organisations contesting ownership of some of the affected properties located in Dakibiyu, Garki, Maitama, Wuse II, Mpape, and other parts of Abuja.
The EFCC informed the court that multiple parties had filed affidavits challenging the proposed forfeiture, while some of the listed properties remained uncontested.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently directed the commission to republish its motion seeking final forfeiture of the unclaimed assets, properly serve all interested parties, and file the necessary compliance documents before the next adjourned date.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to July 16 for further proceedings and compliance updates.
