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. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive on Wednesday and mandated all parties, particularly the EFCC, to report back to the court on May 2, 2025, to confirm compliance.
On Monday, the same court had instructed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC in relation to an ongoing investigation involving money laundering and other related offenses. Following her appearance, the EFCC was directed to produce her in court on April 30 for a status update. However, the EFCC arrested Achimugu around 5 a.m. on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The EFCC is investigating her for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, money laundering, corruption, and unlawful acquisition of property. Though she had previously been released on administrative bail, the EFCC later declared her wanted, accusing her of breaching bail conditions.
In its affidavit, the EFCC noted that Achimugu made a statement in February 2024 during an earlier detention in the presence of her lawyer, where she acknowledged receipt of N8.71 billion from business partners for oil bloc acquisition. Investigations revealed that through her firm, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, she acquired two oil blocs—Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO—paying $25.3 million largely in cash via Bureau De Change operators.
The EFCC alleged that the funds used for the transactions could not be traced to legitimate income or verified sources. The agency also claimed that corrupt practices, including bribery of officials at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, marred the acquisition process and that the blocs remain idle.
Further investigations uncovered that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks, both personally and through corporate entities. Following her declaration as wanted, she filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC and other security agencies, challenging the legality of her arrest and accusing the EFCC of reputational damage.
In her motion, Achimugu argued that her public declaration as wanted was baseless and intended to humiliate her. Her legal team reported that the respondents failed to respond to court summonses. Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the hearing, providing one last opportunity for the respondents to appear.
At the resumed hearing on April 30, Achimugu’s counsel submitted an affidavit of facts. Justice Ekwo ruled that since the EFCC had reportedly granted her bail, the agency was now required to release her within 24 hours and return to court on May 2 to confirm compliance. The matter was also adjourned to that date for the hearing of pending applications.
Source : https://punchng.com/
