A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to release socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours.
According to The PUNCH, Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during a brief ruling. The judge also ordered that all parties involved in the matter return to court on May 2 to confirm compliance with the order.
This follows an earlier order by the court directing Achimugu to report to the EFCC in connection with an ongoing investigation involving allegations of money laundering and other financial crimes.
The EFCC had arrested Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, citing allegations including conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, corruption, and possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
While Achimugu had previously been granted administrative bail, the EFCC declared her wanted after alleging she violated her bail conditions. The anti-graft agency subsequently published a notice urging the public to assist with information on her whereabouts.
In its affidavit, the EFCC revealed that Achimugu, through her company Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, acquired two oil blocks — PPL 3007 and PPL 302-DO — using over $25 million in primarily cash payments to Bureau De Change operators. The funds were later paid to the Federal Government through corporate accounts.
The commission claimed the source of the funds could not be linked to any legitimate income or business partnership. It further alleged that bribes were paid to officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission during the acquisition process.
“She admitted that N8.71 billion was paid by her partners for the purchase and signature bonus of the oil blocks,” the EFCC stated, adding that the oil blocks have not yet commenced any exploration or production.
The agency also disclosed that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across 10 banks, both personally and through corporate entities.
In response, Achimugu filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC and other security agencies, including the Police, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, and Immigration Service. She requested the court to restrain them from arresting or harassing her, claiming her public declaration as a wanted person was “unjustified, damaging to her reputation, and aimed at humiliating her.”
During the hearing, her lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, informed the court that despite receiving court orders, the respondents had failed to appear or respond. The judge, however, granted a final opportunity for them to present their case and adjourned the matter to April 28, 2025.
At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, Ogunwumiju told the court that his client had filed an affidavit of facts. Justice Ekwo noted that since the EFCC had already granted bail, the next step was to ensure compliance.
“I hereby order the third respondent to release the applicant within 24 hours,” Justice Ekwo ruled. “All parties, especially the third respondent, are to appear before this court on May 2, 2025, to report compliance.”
The matter was adjourned to May 2 for further hearing.
