The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until July 16 a forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking the permanent seizure of nine properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu postponed the matter after the EFCC failed to file a report confirming compliance with an earlier court order relating to the temporary forfeiture of the assets.
The court had previously granted an interim order authorising the temporary forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government and directed the anti-graft agency to publish notices in national newspapers to allow interested parties challenge the move.
At the resumed hearing, six individuals and organisations appeared before the court to contest the proposed forfeiture, claiming interest in several of the properties located in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape, and Dakibiyu.
Some of the affected properties include residential duplexes, office complexes, and blocks of flats, one of which is reportedly occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Lawyers representing the interested parties filed affidavits asking the court to reject the final forfeiture application, while the EFCC informed the court that no claims had been made regarding three of the properties.
The anti-corruption agency said it had already filed a motion seeking final forfeiture of those unclaimed assets to the Federal Government.
However, the judge faulted the commission for failing to properly file and serve relevant documents on all parties involved, stressing the need to ensure fair hearing and due process.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently ordered the EFCC to publish fresh notices regarding the properties, serve all parties appropriately, and respond to submissions already filed by interested persons before the next hearing date.
The case forms part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities through civil forfeiture proceedings.
