Federal High Court adjourns Timipre Sylva asset forfeiture suit to July 16

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned proceedings in the asset forfeiture case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against nine properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, until July 16, 2026.

The matter, heard before Justice Emeka Nwite, centres on the EFCC’s application seeking the final forfeiture of the properties, which the anti-graft agency alleges are proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order from the court and subsequently asked that the assets be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

During the hearing, counsel to Sylva informed the court that the former governor had filed an application challenging the forfeiture proceedings. The defence maintained that the properties were lawfully acquired and urged the court to reject the EFCC’s request for final forfeiture.

Lawyers representing the EFCC, however, argued that investigations conducted by the agency established links between the properties and alleged financial misconduct. The commission also sought time to respond formally to the defence application.

After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 16 for continuation of hearing.

Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has consistently denied allegations of corruption and wrongdoing in previous investigations involving his assets and financial dealings.

The EFCC has continued to pursue asset recovery cases involving former public officials as part of broader efforts to combat corruption and recover assets suspected to have been acquired through illicit means.