A 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), ruling that the suit was frivolous and brought in bad faith. The judgment, delivered by Justice Musa Liman on Monday, October 12, 2026, effectively upholds the EFCC's actions in searching Achimugu's residence and seizing her properties.
Background of the Case
Achimugu had challenged the EFCC's search of her home and the seizure of vehicles, jewellery, and other items, demanding ₦10 billion in damages. She also sought a court order to prevent the EFCC from entering her residence again. The suit raised questions about whether the EFCC acted within its legal powers when it raided the businesswoman's residence.
Justice Liman, however, held that the EFCC was fully within its rights to search the residence after receiving intelligence about alleged criminal activity there. In his ruling, the judge stated, "The EFCC has the right to search the residence." The court also addressed the ₦10 billion damages claim, finding that Achimugu and her lawyers had not provided sufficient grounds to support the amount.
Court's Ruling and EFCC's Response
Justice Liman rejected the damages claim outright, saying nothing in the case justified stopping the EFCC from carrying out its duties. He described the suit as lacking merit and added that it was "frivolous and it was brought in bad faith." The EFCC welcomed the ruling, saying it served the interest of justice and describing the suit as an attempt to waste the court's time.
This dismissal follows an earlier ruling in July 2026, when Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo ordered the permanent forfeiture of assets worth about ₦8.9 billion linked to Achimugu to the Federal Government. Those assets included jewellery valued at ₦4.65 billion, 11 exotic vehicles worth ₦4.29 billion, $50,000 in foreign currency, and ₦30 million in cash.
Impact of the Ruling
The EFCC had applied for the forfeiture, arguing that the properties were connected to unlawful activities. With the dismissal of Achimugu's fundamental rights suit, the EFCC's actions are now legally validated, and the businesswoman faces the loss of the seized assets. The ruling also sets a precedent, signaling that similar challenges to EFCC operations may face strict scrutiny in court.
