Court Dismisses Aisha Achimugu’s ₦10 Billion Suit Against EFCC Over Search, Seizure of Properties
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦10 billion fundamental rights suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and the seizure of her vehicles, jewellery and other belongings.
The judgment was delivered by Justice M.S. Liman in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026. The development was announced by the EFCC on Monday, October 12, 2026, through a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
Achimugu had approached the court to determine whether the anti-graft agency acted within its legal powers when it searched her residence and seized some of her personal property. She argued that the commission’s actions raised concerns about her fundamental rights, particularly her right to privacy.
In addition to challenging the search and seizure, the businesswoman asked the court to restrain the EFCC from allegedly threatening or harassing her and from invading her private residence. She also sought ₦10 billion in damages over what she described as an infringement of her rights.
However, the court dismissed the suit after considering the issues raised in the case. According to the EFCC’s account of the judgment, Justice Liman held that the commission had the authority to search Achimugu’s residence after receiving intelligence concerning her alleged criminal activities.
The judge was quoted as saying that the EFCC had the right to search the residence. The commission maintained that the ruling affirmed its statutory powers to investigate suspected financial crimes and take lawful investigative steps when supported by relevant intelligence.
The court also rejected Achimugu’s request for ₦10 billion in compensation. According to the EFCC, Justice Liman held that the businesswoman and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the amount of damages being sought.
The judge reportedly described the suit as lacking merit, frivolous and brought in bad faith. The dismissal means that Achimugu did not secure the compensation or the restraining orders she had requested in the case.
Reacting to the ruling, EFCC counsel Emenike Mgbemele welcomed the judgment, describing it as being in the interest of justice. He also argued that the suit had sought to waste the court’s time.
The case is part of a broader series of legal proceedings involving Achimugu and the EFCC over allegations concerning her financial dealings. In April 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to honour an invitation from the commission to answer questions connected to an investigation into alleged money laundering, conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and corruption.
The EFCC had also raised questions about funds allegedly received by Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, a company linked to Achimugu, in connection with the acquisition of oil blocks. These allegations have been the subject of separate legal proceedings and should be distinguished from the specific fundamental rights suit dismissed by Justice Liman.
In another proceeding, a court in July 2026 ordered the final forfeiture of assets linked to Achimugu, including jewellery valued at approximately ₦4.6 billion, 11 exotic vehicles valued at about ₦4.3 billion, $50,000 and ₦30 million in cash. That forfeiture ruling was delivered in a separate case and involved a different application before the court.
The latest judgment concerns whether the EFCC’s search and seizure actions were within its legal powers and whether Achimugu had established grounds for the compensation she sought. It does not, by itself, resolve every allegation being investigated in the separate financial-crime proceedings involving the businesswoman.
The dismissal represents a setback for Achimugu’s legal challenge to the commission’s actions. The ruling also brings renewed attention to the balance between the investigative powers of anti-graft agencies and the fundamental rights of individuals whose properties are searched or seized during investigations.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments in the case, including any further legal action by Achimugu and updates on the separate investigations and proceedings involving the EFCC.
