The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the ruling and directed that all parties, especially the EFCC, report back to the court on May 2, 2025, to confirm compliance with the order.
This development follows an earlier ruling on Monday, in which Justice Ekwo instructed Achimugu to submit herself to the EFCC in connection with an ongoing investigation into money laundering and related offenses. The court also ordered that after her submission, Achimugu appear in court for a status report on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Achimugu was arrested by the EFCC at 5 a.m. on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The EFCC is investigating her on charges of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, money laundering, corruption, and possession of unlawfully obtained properties.
Previously, Achimugu was arrested and questioned by the EFCC but was granted administrative bail. However, the EFCC later accused her of jumping bail and declared her wanted, urging the public to report any information regarding her whereabouts.
In a statement, the EFCC disclosed that during her previous interrogation on February 12, 2024, Achimugu admitted to handling substantial sums of money, including N8.71 billion paid by her partners for investment purposes. This money was reportedly used to purchase oil blocs and pay a signature bonus for the acquisition of two oil blocks—Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO.
Further investigation revealed that Achimugu, through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, acquired these oil blocs for a total of $25.3 million, largely through cash payments made to Bureau De Change operators, who then transferred the funds to the Federal Government. However, the EFCC alleges that these funds were not linked to legitimate earnings or business partners, and the transactions were marred by corrupt practices.
The EFCC further claims that the assigned oil blocks have not commenced exploration or production to date.
Additionally, the EFCC’s investigation uncovered that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks, both in her personal and corporate names.
The court will reconvene on May 2, 2025, for a progress report on the case.
