The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acted within its statutory powers when it searched the residence of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu following intelligence linking the premises to alleged criminal activities.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Musa Liman on Monday, October 12, 2026, dealt a setback to Achimugu’s attempt to obtain ₦10 billion in damages from the anti-graft agency over the search and seizure of her vehicles, jewellery and other personal belongings.
Achimugu had approached the court to challenge the legality of the EFCC’s actions, arguing that the search raised questions about her fundamental right to privacy and the protection of her private residence.
She also sought an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or unlawfully invading her home.
However, Justice Liman held that the EFCC was empowered to search the residence after receiving intelligence concerning suspected criminal activities, rejecting the argument that the commission’s actions provided grounds for the reliefs sought.
“The EFCC has the right to search the residence,” the judge said.
The court further ruled that Achimugu and her legal team had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the ₦10 billion compensation claim, finding no basis to prevent the commission from performing its statutory duties.
Describing the suit as lacking merit, the judge characterised it as “frivolous and it was brought in bad faith”.
The EFCC welcomed the judgment, describing it as being in the interest of justice and arguing that the action amounted to an attempt to waste the court’s time.
The ruling comes against the backdrop of a separate forfeiture proceeding involving assets valued at approximately ₦8.9 billion linked to Achimugu, which a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, ordered forfeited to the Federal Government in July 2026.
Justice Jude Onwugbuzie made the forfeiture order following an application by the EFCC, which argued that the assets were linked to unlawful activities and should be permanently surrendered to the government.
The assets included jewellery valued at ₦4.65 billion, 11 exotic vehicles estimated at ₦4.29 billion, $50,000 and ₦30 million in cash.
While the latest judgment concerns Achimugu’s fundamental rights suit against the EFCC, the July ruling relates to the separate proceedings for the forfeiture of the assets.
