The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Justice I.E. Ekwo, who issued the order during proceedings on Monday, also mandated the EFCC to return Achimugu to court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to report on her appearance and the outcome of the engagement.
The directive followed an application by Achimugu’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, seeking protection against possible detention or harassment by the EFCC as his client prepares to honour the commission’s invitation. Ogunwumiju emphasized that Achimugu, currently abroad, had expressed willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation and was due back in Nigeria by Tuesday.
The court session was the latest in a suit filed by Achimugu against the EFCC and other security agencies, seeking to enforce her fundamental human rights and prevent her arrest and detention. The agencies listed as respondents include the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The dispute stems from the EFCC’s declaration of Achimugu as ‘wanted’ on March 28, 2025, over allegations relating to a complex financial transaction involving the acquisition of oil blocs. Achimugu contends that the move was unjustified and damaging to her reputation.
During Monday’s proceedings, Ogunwumiju noted that despite earlier court orders, not all the respondents had filed their defence. He also pointed out that Achimugu had indicated, under oath, her intention to present herself to the EFCC at noon on Tuesday.
Opposing the motion, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho argued that Achimugu had previously violated bail conditions by refusing to honour earlier invitations. However, Justice Ekwo restricted Iheanacho’s submissions to the specific issue at hand — showing cause regarding the court’s prior order — and noted that the EFCC’s own filings acknowledged Achimugu's existing bail status.
The court emphasized that no controversy should arise from the applicant’s willingness to appear before investigators, and agreed to make specific orders for her protection and the continuation of her bail conditions.
Justice Ekwo ruled:
"The applicant shall appear before the 4th respondent on April 29, 2025. I further make an order that the 4th respondent, upon the appearance of the applicant, shall return with the applicant to this court on April 30, 2025, for a report of the appearance of the applicant."
Further details from the EFCC's affidavit revealed that Achimugu had admitted to handling large financial transactions — including the sum of N8.71 billion paid into her company's account for the acquisition of oil blocs. Investigations indicated that through her firm, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, Achimugu acquired two oil blocs valued at $25.3 million using funds allegedly traced to suspicious cash payments.
The EFCC alleged that corrupt practices tainted the acquisition process, involving the payment of bribes to officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Moreover, Achimugu was found to have operated 136 bank accounts across ten banks, further complicating the probe.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Achimugu maintains that her rights must be preserved and that she is ready to cooperate with investigators.
The matter is adjourned until Wednesday for further proceedings.
