Court to EFCC: Release Aisha Achimugu Within 24 Hours
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, delivering a short ruling on Wednesday, directed the anti-graft agency to comply with the order and appear before the court on May 2, 2025, to give a report on its compliance.
Recall that Neusroom reported that Achimugu was arrested by the EFCC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 5 am on Tuesday, despite a previous court order that she appear before the commission on Monday in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and related offences.
The EFCC is investigating her for “criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” among other charges, and previously declared her wanted, accusing her of jumping administrative bail.
According to court filings, Achimugu admitted that N8.71 billion was paid into her accounts by partners “as an investment fund into the purchase and payment of a signature bonus for the acquisition of oil bloc on Nov. 8, 2022.”
Further EFCC investigations revealed she acquired two oil blocks through Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited for $25.3 million, allegedly sourced through cash transactions with Bureau De Change operators. The EFCC stated: “The ultimate sources of the said sum of $25,300,000 used in the acquisition of the oil blocs were not linked to her lawful earnings or income or any business partner.”
She reportedly operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks in both her personal and company names.
