Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, from its custody within 24 hours.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, following Achimugu’s court appearance in connection with an ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful possession of assets.
Justice Ekwo also mandated that both parties reconvene in court on May 2 to report on the outcome of the compliance with the order.
The development comes after the court earlier directed Achimugu to voluntarily appear at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja, a condition she fulfilled following her arrest in the early hours of Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, shortly after her return from London.
While Achimugu had previously been questioned by the EFCC and granted administrative bail, the anti-graft agency later declared her wanted, alleging she had violated her bail terms.
The EFCC is probing the socialite for alleged involvement in a multimillion-naira fraud scheme that includes charges of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, money laundering, and corruption. Authorities also claim she holds property suspected to have been acquired through illicit means.
Justice Ekwo’s latest order emphasized due process, instructing the EFCC to bring Achimugu before the court on April 30 for a formal report on the status of the case—a directive that was not followed.
The court’s firm stance underscores growing scrutiny over how the EFCC handles high-profile suspects amid rising public interest in anti-corruption efforts and human rights safeguards.
Neither Achimugu nor the EFCC has publicly commented on the court’s decision as of press time.
