Abuja Court Orders EFCC to Release Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu Within 24 Hours

In a dramatic turn of events that has drawn nationwide attention, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu from its custody within 24 hours. Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the case, issued the directive on Wednesday, April 30, following what the court described as non-compliance with earlier instructions by the anti-graft agency.

The decision came after EFCC officials brought Achimugu to court under tight security, in line with a previous judicial order requiring her presence in court for a progress report on her matter.

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Aisha Achimugu’s Detention Sparks Legal Backlash

The court order follows a series of recent legal tussles involving the EFCC and Aisha Achimugu, a high-profile Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist. She has recently come under investigation over undisclosed allegations, but specific details of the EFCC’s case remain under wraps.

According to reports, Achimugu was detained by EFCC operatives upon her arrival from abroad at about 5:00 am on Tuesday, April 29. Despite previously fleeing the country amid investigations, she returned to Nigeria following an earlier court order that directed her to present herself at the EFCC headquarters at 12 noon on Tuesday.

Justice Ekwo had issued that directive earlier in the week, warning that if she did not voluntarily honour the invitation, the EFCC would be authorized to arrest her and produce her in court. Surprisingly, despite her voluntary appearance as instructed, the EFCC proceeded to take her into custody—a move that has now been declared unlawful by the court.

“Upon her appearance at the EFCC, she was arrested and detained against the spirit of the court’s order. This court, therefore, orders the EFCC to release Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours,” Justice Ekwo ruled.

He also directed all parties involved, especially the EFCC, to return to court on May 2 to provide a detailed update on compliance with the release order.

Courtroom Tension as EFCC Produces Achimugu

On Wednesday morning, tension ran high at the Abuja Federal High Court as EFCC operatives arrived with Achimugu. Flanked by two female EFCC officials, the businesswoman entered the courtroom at approximately 11:35 am, looking composed but evidently restrained. The moment highlighted the serious tone of the ongoing judicial scrutiny into the EFCC’s handling of the case.

The court’s short but firm ruling is seen as a strong rebuke to the EFCC, which has been under increasing scrutiny for what critics describe as overreach and disregard for judicial processes in certain high-profile cases. Legal analysts note that the court’s insistence on a 24-hour compliance window reflects the judiciary’s growing intolerance for executive excesses, especially where civil liberties are at stake.

EFCC’s Silence Fuels Public Curiosity

The EFCC has so far refrained from issuing any public statements regarding the reasons for Achimugu’s arrest or the allegations against her. This silence has only fueled further curiosity and speculation, especially given Achimugu’s public profile as a philanthropist and successful entrepreneur.

Her sudden return from overseas and immediate detention have stirred public interest and concern. Many observers question why she was detained despite complying with the court’s order to appear at the EFCC’s office voluntarily.

Some civil society organizations have also weighed in, urging the anti-corruption agency to operate within the confines of the law and uphold the principles of justice and transparency. “No one is above the law, including the EFCC,” said a spokesperson for a leading rights group in Abuja. “If someone voluntarily responds to a legal summons, they should not be met with detention.”

Looking Ahead: May 2 Court Session Critical

As the matter returns to court on May 2, all eyes will be on how the EFCC responds to the 24-hour ultimatum. Failure to comply could trigger contempt proceedings or further judicial sanctions against the commission. Legal practitioners warn that persistent defiance of court orders could erode public trust in both the justice system and anti-corruption institutions.

The court has also made it clear that this is not just about Achimugu, but about preserving the rule of law. Justice Ekwo’s ruling aims to remind agencies like the EFCC that due process must always take precedence, no matter the nature of an investigation.

Meanwhile, Achimugu’s legal team is expected to push for the full enforcement of her rights and potentially file for redress if the EFCC fails to comply or if it is revealed that her detention lacked substantial legal grounding.

As Nigeria continues to battle corruption and seek justice reform, the Achimugu case could become a pivotal example of how the courts enforce accountability not just among individuals, but within law enforcement bodies themselves.