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Court Orders EFCC to Release Aisha Achimugu Within 24 Hours

Federal High Court Issues Immediate Release Directive

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 ruling on Wednesday, also mandating all parties to report back to court on compliance by May 2, 2025.

Background of the Case

This development follows Justice Ekwo’s Monday order requiring Achimugu to surrender herself to the EFCC regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and financial crimes. The court had initially directed that Achimugu appear before it on April 30 after her EFCC interrogation.

EFCC’s Arrest and Allegations

The anti-graft agency arrested Achimugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday at approximately 5 am. The EFCC is investigating her for:

Conspiracy
Obtaining money by false pretence
Money laundering
Corruption
Possession of suspected unlawfully obtained properties

Details of the Investigation

According to EFCC filings, Achimugu allegedly admitted to receiving N8.71 billion through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, for oil bloc acquisitions. Investigations revealed:

Purchase of two oil blocs (Shallow Water-PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore-PPL 302-DO) for $25.3 million
Payments made via Bureau De Change operators
Alleged bribes to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission officials
No exploration/production activity on the acquired oil blocs

Legal Proceedings

Achimugu had previously filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against multiple agencies, including the EFCC, seeking protection from arrest. Despite scheduled hearings, respondents failed to appear, prompting Justice Ekwo’s ultimatum for compliance.