Court Orders EFCC To Release Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu Within 24 Hours
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release embattled businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours.
The order came during court proceedings on Wednesday, following the EFCC’s arrest of Achimugu early Tuesday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. She had returned to the country from London and was taken into custody around 5:00 a.m.
Justice Ekwo, who had on Monday directed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC in connection with ongoing investigations into money laundering and related offences, reiterated that the anti-graft agency must comply with due process.
He further instructed both parties to return to court on May 2, 2025, to report the outcome of the order and any further developments in the case.
Achimugu, who was previously declared wanted by the EFCC in March, is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, corruption, and unlawful acquisition of properties. While she had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, the commission later accused her of jumping bail and subsequently issued a public notice declaring her wanted.
In compliance with Justice Ekwo’s Monday ruling, EFCC operatives escorted Achimugu to court on Wednesday, April 30, around 11:35 a.m., accompanied by two female officers.
However, her legal counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), condemned the EFCC’s action, insisting that the arrest violated the court’s explicit directive. “My client returned to the country voluntarily to honour the court’s directive. Arresting her on arrival was not only unnecessary but in direct contravention of the judge’s order,” Ojukwu stated.
The EFCC has yet to formally charge Achimugu but is reportedly probing her alleged involvement in a high-profile financial fraud scheme, involving large sums of money laundered through a network of companies.
