The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a forfeiture case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against nine properties linked to former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa until July 16.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter following the inability of the EFCC’s lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, to file a report of compliance in respect of the earlier interim order granted against the properties.
The judge had, on April 24, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the nine properties linked to Sylva, who is also a former minister of state for petroleum resources, to the federal government.
Justice Egwuatu also granted the EFCC’s request for the publication of the order in any two newspapers within seven days from the date of receipt of the certified true copy of the order, for interested persons to show cause within 14 days why a final order of forfeiture should not be made.
The affected assets are located across high-value areas in Abuja.
Upon resuming the hearing on Monday, several lawyers appeared for different properties listed in the EFCC’s schedule.
Atolagbe informed the court that though about six parties had filed their affidavits to show cause in respect of the properties, no party had indicated interest in the three remaining properties in the schedule.
The properties yet to be claimed include a block of flats with 10 units at Wuse Zone 4, a block of flats with six units at No. 1, Mubi Close, and one stand-alone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.
The EFCC’s lawyer told the court that a motion on notice seeking a final forfeiture of the three properties to the federal government had been filed on May 22, since no one had shown cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
The judge, however, said the motion was not in the court file. When asked if the parties who had shown cause had been served, Atolagbe said only one of the parties was served. He said the commission had complied with the earlier order by publishing the enrolled order in two newspapers but he was yet to file an affidavit of compliance.
Justice Egwuatu directed Atolagbe to publish the motion on notice seeking final forfeiture of the three properties the way the enrolled order was published. He also ordered him to serve the parties who were yet to be served and file his report of compliance on the earlier interim order in the interest of a fair hearing.
The judge adjourned the matter until July 16 for a report of compliance.
