Court Adjourns Sylva Asset Forfeiture Case to July 16

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the asset forfeiture case against former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to July 16. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a suit seeking the forfeiture of nine properties linked to Sylva, who served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu set the new date following the inability of EFCC counsel Oluwalek Atolagb to file a compliance report regarding an interim forfeiture order granted on April 24. The EFCC's request included properties located in choice areas of Abuja, such as Maitama and Wuse II.

The court had previously ordered that interested parties show cause within 14 days why the assets should not be permanently forfeited. Six parties have filed affidavits, but three properties remain unclaimed.

The EFCC has also filed a motion seeking a final forfeiture order for these unclaimed properties.