Court dismisses EFCC’s suit against Sylva

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit brought against former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The commission had in an earlier suit got an order of temporary forfeiture of about 48 property traced to Sylva.

Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had while granting the order last December allowed the EFCC to continually apply for the extension of the order.

But in Thursday’s ruling, the judge rejected an application by EFCC for the extension of the lifespan of the order on the ground that since the commission has filed a formal charge against Sylva before another judge of the same Federal High Court, it would be proper if the application for extension of the interim forfeiture order was 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.

In the charge before Justice Adamu Bello of Court Three, Sylva is being prosecuted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering related offences.

When the case came up on Monday, his lawyer, Okunade Olorundare (SAN) informed the court about a new application by Sylva, seeking for permission to travel abroad.

His new application was filed about a month after the court refused an earlier application he filed, seeking for permission accompany his wife on a medical trip outside Nigeria.

In the new application, Sylva is praying the court to release his international passport deposited as part of his bail conditions. He also wants to be allowed to travel on ground of ill health.

Justice Bello fixed July 15 for hearing of the application.

 

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