Court Orders Businesswoman Achimugu to Appear Amid Fraud Allegations
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order for businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to appear before the court on Wednesday as part of an ongoing probe related to her.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the instruction following his order for Achimugu to present himself at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, followed by an appearance in court on Wednesday alongside representatives from the EFCC.
The directive was issued following an application submitted by Achimugu’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), aimed at preventing the EFCC from arresting or intimidating Achimugu while she cooperates with their investigative summons.
Previously, on April 11, Justice Nwite ordered the EFCC along with five additional law enforcement entities to submit their defenses in a fundamental rights enforcement case brought forth by Achimugu. The plaintiff seeks safeguarding against potential arrest and detainment.
The security organizations mentioned in the lawsuit encompass the Nigeria Police Force; the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related_Offences Commission; the Department of State Services; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; as well as the Nigerian Immigration Service.
An industrialist named Achimugu submitted an urgent motion without notifying other parties, labeled FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025 on April 3rd, with the listed respondents being from various agencies placed first through sixth.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claims that Achimugu, via her firm Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, obtained two petroleum leases with money sourced from illegitimate means, suggesting the entire process was marred by corruption. Currently, the probe is still underway.
In response, Achimugu requested temporary injunctions against the agencies to prevent them from intimidating, arresting, or infringing upon her rights to move freely, personal liberties, privacy, and ownership of property. Additionally, she claimed that designating her as "wanted" by the EFCC on March 28 was unwarranted and detrimental to both her public image and career.
During Monday's hearing, Ogunwumiju told the court that Achimugu would go back to Nigeria on Tuesday to check in with the EFCC at midday.
He asked the court to guarantee her protection from harassment, particularly because she acts as the parent of a child with special requirements.
The EFCC prosecutor, Ekele Iheanacho, contested the request, asserting that it lacked concrete evidence and pointing out that Achimugu had formerly violated administrative bail terms by not responding to summonses.
Justice Nwite ordered in his decision that the EFCC should keep investigating while making sure Achimugu appears in court the following day.
"The applicant must appear before the fourth respondent (EFCC) on April 29, 2025, as stated in her affidavit. Following her attendance, she will accompany the respondent back to this court on April 30, 2025, to provide an update on the proceedings," the judge decreed.
The representatives from the ICPC, DSS, EFCC, and NIS attended the Monday session.
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