In a dramatic legal twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours.
The court emphasized that her release must align with the administrative bail terms she had previously received.
Court Steps In to Protect Rights
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, made it clear that the EFCC had no legal standing to continue detaining Achimugu.
According to the judge, since the EFCC already granted her administrative bail earlier, it was unlawful to hold her without justification. This court decision marks a bold intervention in the ongoing tension between state agencies and citizens’ rights.
How the Arrest Happened
The EFCC arrested Aisha Achimugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after she returned from London. The anti-graft agency claimed the arrest was part of a wider investigation involving alleged conspiracy, money laundering, corruption, and possession of suspicious assets.
Despite her earlier cooperation with the EFCC, including honoring a February 12, 2024, invitation where she gave a statement, the Commission accused her of skipping further appointments.
Instead of returning, Achimugu took legal action, filing a fundamental rights enforcement suit to stop further harassment by the EFCC and other law enforcement bodies.
EFCC Releases Aisha Achimugu—But Why Was She Detained?
In its defense, the EFCC presented a counter-affidavit through one of its investigators, Chris Odofin. The agency accused Achimugu of failing to return after being granted bail and of attempting to obstruct the investigation through legal maneuvering.
The focus keyword, EFCC releases Aisha Achimugu, gained traction in the media as details of her alleged financial activities surfaced.
Investigators claimed that N8.71 billion was deposited into her company’s account Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited. Achimugu described the money as an investment fund for acquiring oil blocks.
Suspicious Financial Transactions Uncovered
EFCC investigators argued that the alleged funds were used to purchase two oil blocks Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO costing $25.3 million in total.
However, payments reportedly came in cash through Bureau de Change channels, making it difficult to trace the actual sources.
Even more concerning to the EFCC was that, despite the acquisition, neither of the oil blocks had begun production or exploration.
Authorities alleged the entire process was marred by corruption and suspicious financial practices. The focus keyword EFCC releases Aisha Achimugu continued trending as Nigerians questioned the agency’s handling of high-profile financial crimes.
Over 130 Bank Accounts Linked to Achimugu
The EFCC’s report revealed that Aisha Achimugu operated 136 bank accounts across 10 Nigerian banks. These accounts, registered in both her personal and corporate names, have fueled growing suspicions about the scale of the alleged financial misconduct.
Nonetheless, legal experts argue that this alone does not justify continued detention. With the judge’s ruling in her favor, many believe the decision to release her is a win for human rights in Nigeria.
Legal Battle Not Over Yet
The case is far from over. Justice Ekwo instructed all involved parties to return to court on Friday to confirm compliance with his order. If the EFCC fails to release Achimugu within the 24-hour deadline, it may face serious legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the focus keyword EFCC releases Aisha Achimugu remains central to discussions about justice, accountability, and the conduct of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.
What This Means for the Rule of Law
This court order sends a strong message to law enforcement agencies: respect for individual rights and due process is non-negotiable. As Nigeria continues to battle corruption, it must do so within the framework of the law.
The EFCC releases Aisha Achimugu headline serves as a reminder that no agency is above judicial oversight.
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