The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who also directed all parties, particularly the EFCC, to return to court on May 2, 2025, to report compliance.
This follows an earlier order by the court on Monday instructing Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC in relation to an ongoing investigation into money laundering and other financial crimes. She appeared at the EFCC office as ordered, and was expected to return with EFCC officials to court on April 30.
However, EFCC operatives arrested Achimugu at around 5 a.m. on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. She is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, money laundering, corruption, and illegal acquisition of properties.
The EFCC claims she had previously been granted administrative bail but later jumped bail, prompting the agency to declare her wanted. A public notice was issued by the EFCC seeking information on her whereabouts.
In its court filings, the EFCC stated that Achimugu had been arrested on February 12, 2024, during which she wrote a statement explaining the source of large transactions through her accounts. She reportedly admitted that over ₦8.7 billion was paid by partners for investment in oil block acquisitions. The EFCC alleges that her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, used mostly cash payments to acquire two oil blocks worth $25.3 million — funds the agency claims cannot be linked to any legitimate income.
The EFCC also alleged corrupt practices in the acquisition process, including bribes to officials at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Neither of the oil blocks acquired has commenced operations.
Further investigations showed that Achimugu controls 136 bank accounts across ten banks in both personal and corporate capacities.
Disputing the EFCC’s actions, Achimugu filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against several security agencies, seeking an interim injunction to stop further harassment, arrest, or detention. She claimed the EFCC’s decision to declare her wanted was unjust, harmful to her reputation, and lacked credible justification.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, her lawyer informed the court that an affidavit of facts had been filed earlier that day. Justice Ekwo, in a brief ruling, acknowledged that EFCC had granted Achimugu bail and ordered the agency to facilitate her release within 24 hours. He also instructed all parties to return to court on May 2 to report compliance and set the same day for the continuation of the matter.
Correct.