Court Stalls EFCC Bid As Forfeiture Case Against Sylva’s Alleged Properties Is Adjourned

Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, failed to submit a report confirming compliance with an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the court.

On April 24, the court had granted an interim order temporarily forfeiting the nine properties to the Federal Government following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026.

The judge also directed the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers within seven days of receiving the certified true copy, allowing interested parties 14 days to respond and show cause why a final forfeiture should not be granted.

At the resumed hearing, several lawyers appeared for different parties with interest in the listed properties. Benson Ibezim represented interests in properties numbered one and nine, which include four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu and two blocks of buildings in Garki currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Alex Ejiesieme, represented parties contesting properties listed as numbers two and five, including a duplex with a penthouse and office complex in Maitama, as well as eight units of one-bedroom flats at Misratah Street, Wuse II.

Ajayi Olowo appeared for property number seven, which consists of two blocks of 12 flats at Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, while Emmanuela Imonikeh represented the owner of a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.

The EFCC counsel informed the court that about six parties had filed affidavits to show cause regarding some of the properties. However, he noted that no objections had been received concerning three properties listed as numbers four, six, and eight.

These include a 10-unit block of flats at Wuse Zone 4, a six-unit block of flats at Mubi Close, and a standalone duplex at Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama.

Atolagbe further told the court that a motion on notice seeking final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties was filed on May 22, but the judge observed that the motion was not in the case file.

Justice Egwuatu also queried whether all relevant parties had been duly served, to which the EFCC counsel admitted that only one party had been served.

The court noted that although the EFCC had complied with the earlier order by publishing the interim forfeiture notice in The Punch and Tribune newspapers, an affidavit of compliance had not been filed.

Consequently, the judge directed the EFCC to republish the motion for final forfeiture regarding the three unclaimed properties, ensure proper service on all affected parties, and file a compliance report.

He also ordered the commission to respond to all filings by interested parties before the next hearing date.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 16 for the report of compliance.