Court dismisses Aisha Achimugu’s N10 billion suit against EFCC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and seizure of her property.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, on Monday, the trial judge Musa Liman ruled that the commission had the power to search Ms Achimugu’s residence after receiving intelligence about her alleged criminal activities.

Ms Achimugu had challenged the search and seizure of her cars, jewellery and other belongings, asking the court to determine whether the commission acted within its legal powers.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, she sought to enforce her right to privacy and asked the court to restrain the EFCC from harassing her or invading her residence. She also demanded N10 billion in damages.

In his ruling, Mr Liman dismissed the claims, holding that Ms Achimugu and her lawyers had failed to establish grounds for the compensation sought, according to the EFCC.

The statement noted that the judge described the suit as lacking merit.

Mr Liman ruled that the case had been brought in bad faith.

EFCC lawyer Emenike Mgbemele welcomed the judgement, describing it as being in the interest of justice. He also said the suit was an attempt to waste the court’s time.

Background

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.

According to a report, the EFCC told the court it was investigating allegations of money laundering, conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and corruption.

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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 (N4,645,170, 294.9 billion, 11 exotic cars worth N4.23 billion (N4.293,000,000), $50,000 and N30 million.

It said 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.