The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours.
The court’s ruling, issued on Wednesday, followed a brief hearing where Justice Inyang Ekwo carefully considered the matter. This decision comes after Achimugu’s detention by the EFCC, stemming from her involvement in an ongoing investigation related to money laundering and other alleged financial crimes.
As part of the ruling, Justice Ekwo also ordered that the EFCC and other involved parties report back to the court on May 2, 2025, to confirm compliance with the order to release Achimugu. This would ensure that the terms of the ruling are followed promptly.
Earlier, Justice Ekwo had mandated Achimugu to report to the EFCC in connection with a broad investigation concerning several criminal activities. Achimugu’s arrest by the EFCC took place on Tuesday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where she was detained for questioning.
The EFCC’s investigation into Achimugu revolves around allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, money laundering, and the possession of properties thought to have been acquired through illicit means. These allegations trace back to her business dealings, particularly through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited.
The EFCC has outlined that Achimugu is linked to various suspicious financial activities. It is claimed that over N8.7 billion was funneled through her corporate bank accounts, with a portion of these funds allegedly directed towards the purchase of oil blocks. One of the more controversial claims involves the purchase of two oil blocks—Shallow Water-PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore-PPL 302-DO—for a combined total of $25.3 million. The EFCC insists that these funds did not originate from any legitimate business dealings or sources.
Additionally, the EFCC asserts that the process through which these oil blocks were acquired involved acts of corruption, such as bribing officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Despite the significant sums invested in these blocks, it is noted that neither has been put to use for exploration or production, further raising suspicions about the legality of the acquisition process.
Moreover, the EFCC’s investigation revealed that Achimugu operates an astounding 136 bank accounts spread across ten different banks, both in her personal and corporate names. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, which continues to unfold.
Previously, Achimugu had been arrested by the EFCC and questioned in relation to these financial allegations but was released on administrative bail. However, the EFCC later claimed she had violated the terms of her bail and declared her wanted. A public statement was issued by the EFCC urging citizens to provide any information on her whereabouts.