Nine luxury Abuja properties linked to ex-Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva are still in limbo — and the court just kicked the case down the road again.

The EFCC’s bid to permanently seize nine high-value properties linked to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva hit another delay on Monday, as the Federal High Court in Abuja pushed proceedings to July 16.

That’s according to a report by cbinews.tv.

Here’s what went down. Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter because the EFCC’s counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, hadn’t yet filed a report showing the agency complied with an earlier interim forfeiture order.

Back on April 24, the same court had granted an interim order for the Federal Government to temporarily take over the nine properties. The order also told the EFCC to publish the decision in two national newspapers within seven days, giving anyone with an interest 14 days to come forward and explain why the assets shouldn’t be forfeited for good.

We’re talking prime Abuja real estate here — homes and commercial buildings scattered across Maitama, Wuse II, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.

At Monday’s sitting, lawyers turned up for several of the properties:

Benson Ibezim represented parties tied to properties one and nine — that’s four blocks of terraces in Dakibiyu and two blocks in Garki currently housing the National Information Technology Development Agency.

Alex Ejiesieme (SAN) appeared for properties two and five — a duplex with a penthouse and an office complex in Maitama, plus eight one-bedroom flats on Misratah Street, Wuse II.

Ajayi Olowo stood for property seven — two blocks of 12 flats on Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II.

Emmanuela Imonikeh represented interests in property three — a standalone duplex at Palm Springs Estate, Mpape.

Atolagbe told the court that about six parties had already filed affidavits to contest the forfeiture of some properties. But three remain unclaimed:

Property 4: A 10-unit block of flats in Wuse Zone 4

Property 6: A six-unit block at No. 1, Mubi Close

Property 8: A standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama

Because no one has stepped forward for those three, the EFCC filed a motion on 22 May asking for final forfeiture. The snag? The motion wasn’t in the court’s file yet, and only one of the parties who’d shown cause had been served.

Atolagbe did confirm the interim order was published in Punch and Tribune newspapers as directed, but admitted the EFCC hadn’t filed an affidavit of compliance to prove it.

So, Justice Egwuatu laid down fresh orders: the EFCC must publish the new motion for final forfeiture of the three unclaimed properties just like it did the interim order. It also has to serve all parties who haven’t been served yet and file that compliance report. The commission was further told to respond to all processes filed by those contesting the case.

Next stop: 16 July, when the court expects a full report of compliance.

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