A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suit was filed by Ms Achimugu over the search of her residence and seizure of her property by the EFCC. The court ruled that the commission had the power to search Ms Achimugu's residence after receiving intelligence about her alleged criminal activities.
According to the EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the trial judge Musa Liman ruled that Ms Achimugu and her lawyers had failed to establish grounds for the compensation sought. The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026 sought to enforce Ms Achimugu's right to privacy and asked the court to restrain the EFCC from harassing her or invading her residence. Ms Achimugu had also demanded N10 billion in damages.
The dispute comes amid an ongoing investigation by the EFCC into Ms Achimugu's financial dealings. In April 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to honour an invitation from the commission to answer questions about the investigation. Another judge, Inyang Ekwo, directed her to appear before the EFCC on 29 April and return to court the following day.
The EFCC is investigating allegations of money laundering, conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and corruption against Ms Achimugu. The commission also raised questions about funds allegedly received by her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, in connection with the acquisition of oil blocks.
In a separate proceeding in July, a court ordered the final forfeiture of assets worth about N8.9 billion linked to Ms Achimugu. The properties include jewelry worth N4.6 billion, 11 exotic cars worth N4.23 billion, $50,000 and N30 million. The trial judge Jude Onwugbuzie granted the order in a judgement on the application for final forfeiture.
Ms Achimugu has been the subject of a series of money laundering investigations. The EFCC has detained and interrogated her over the allegations. The commission's actions against her have been ongoing for some time, with various court proceedings and investigations taking place.
The dismissal of the suit is the latest development in the ongoing case against Ms Achimugu. The EFCC's investigation into her financial dealings is ongoing, with the commission yet to make any official statements on the outcome of the probe. The case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations and the large sums of money involved.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a N10 billion suit filed by Aisha Achimugu against the EFCC.
- The court ruled that the EFCC had the power to search Ms Achimugu's residence after receiving intelligence about her alleged criminal activities.
- The EFCC is investigating Ms Achimugu for allegations of money laundering, conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and corruption.
