Court Dismisses Aisha Achimugu’s ₦10bn Suit Against EFCC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the suit, Achimugu had challenged the commission’s search of her residence and seizure of her vehicles, jewellery and other belongings, asking the court to determine whether the actions fell within the EFCC’s statutory powers.

She also sought the enforcement of her fundamental right to privacy and an order restraining the commission from threatening, harassing or unlawfully invading her private residence.

The businesswoman had demanded ₦10 billion in damages from the EFCC over what she described as an invasion of her privacy.

Delivering judgment on Monday, October 12, 2026, Justice Musa Liman held that the EFCC had the power to search the plaintiff’s residence after receiving intelligence concerning alleged criminal activities.

“The EFCC has the right to search the residence,” the judge said.

The court also held that Achimugu and her legal team had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the ₦10 billion damages sought against the commission.

Justice Liman consequently rejected the claim for damages, holding that there was no basis to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

The judge described the suit as lacking merit, ruling that it was “frivolous and it was brought in bad faith”.

The EFCC, in its reaction, welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice and calling the suit an attempt to waste the court’s time.

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, in July, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of assets worth about ₦8.9bn linked to the businesswoman to the Federal Government.

The assets forfeited included jewellery valued at ₦4.65bn, 11 exotic vehicles worth ₦4.29bn, $50,000, and ₦30 million in cash.

Onwugbuzie made the order while delivering judgment on an application filed by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of the assets.

The agency had urged the court to permanently forfeit the properties to the Federal Government.

It argued that they were linked to unlawful activities.