The suit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva has been dismissed by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
EFCC initially secured an order of temporary forfeiture of about 48 properties traced to Sylva. Granting the order in December 2012, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed allowed EFCC to continue applying for extension of the order.
But on Thursday’s ruling, the judge rejected an application by EFCC for further extension, saying the commission filed a formal charge against Sylva before another judge of the same Federal High Court. It therefore said the application for extension of the interim forfeiture order should be made before the new court.
“It would appear that EFCC is instituting a multiplicity of suit against the accused. This court cannot allow any process that amount to an abuse and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Mohammed held.
Sylva is being prosecuted by the EFCC over allegations of money laundering. On Monday, his lawyer, Okunade Olorundare (SAN) pleaded with the court to allow the former governor travel abroad.
In a new application filed about a month after the court refused an earlier application, he sought to accompany his wife on a medical trip abroad. He asked for the release of his international passport, which was deposited in court at the time of receiving bail. Justice Bello will hear the application on July 15.
