Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
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 seizure of her properties.
Justice Musa Liman delivered the judgment on Monday, October 12, 2026, ruling that the anti-graft agency had the authority to search Achimugu’s residence after receiving intelligence concerning her alleged criminal activities.
Achimugu had instituted the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, asking the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its statutory powers when it searched her home and seized her vehicles, jewellery and other belongings.
She also sought to enforce her fundamental right to privacy and requested an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or unlawfully invading her residence.
As part of the suit, the businesswoman demanded ₦10 billion in damages over what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
However, the court rejected her claim for compensation, holding that she and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the damages sought.
According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the judge ruled that the commission should not be prevented from carrying out its statutory responsibilities. The court also described the suit as lacking merit and as having been brought in bad faith.
Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel Emenike Mgbemele welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice.
The ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into Achimugu’s financial dealings. In April 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to honour an EFCC invitation to answer questions relating to an investigation into alleged financial crimes.
In a separate proceeding in July 2026, another court ordered the final forfeiture to the Federal Government of assets valued at approximately ₦8.9 billion linked to Achimugu. The assets reportedly included jewellery, luxury vehicles and cash.
The dismissal of the ₦10 billion suit concerns her challenge to the EFCC’s search and seizure actions. It does not, by itself, determine the outcome of any separate criminal investigation or establish criminal guilt.
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