The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and instructed all parties—particularly the EFCC—to return to court on May 2 to confirm compliance.
This follows an earlier order by Justice Ekwo on April 28, directing Achimugu to appear before the EFCC in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering and related offences. The EFCC subsequently arrested her at 5 a.m. on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the EFCC, Achimugu is under investigation for alleged criminal conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, corruption, and unlawful possession of property. The agency claims that during a prior arrest on February 12, 2024, Achimugu, accompanied by her lawyer, wrote a statement explaining financial transactions through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited.
She reportedly acknowledged that N8.71 billion was paid by partners for the acquisition of oil blocs, with $25.3 million used for purchasing two blocs—PPL 3007 and PPL 302-DO. The EFCC alleges that these funds originated from questionable sources and that corrupt practices, including bribes to officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, were involved in the transaction. The oil blocs, according to the agency, have yet to commence production.
Following her release on administrative bail, Achimugu was declared wanted by the EFCC, which claimed she violated her bail terms. The agency publicly appealed for information on her whereabouts.
In response, Achimugu filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025) against the EFCC, Nigeria Police, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, and Immigration Service. She sought an interim injunction restraining the agencies from arresting or harassing her, arguing that the EFCC’s declaration of her as “wanted” was unjustified and damaging to her reputation.
Although the rights suit was set for hearing on April 11, the respondents failed to appear, prompting Justice Ekwo to adjourn to April 28 and issue a final directive for them to respond.
At the resumed hearing on April 30, Achimugu’s lawyer informed the court of a filed affidavit of facts. Justice Ekwo noted that the EFCC had already granted bail and ordered her release within 24 hours. The case is set to continue on May 2, 2025, for further proceedings and compliance review.
