The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release Nigerian businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, within 24 hours.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday, April 30, came after Achimugu appeared in court alongside two female EFCC operatives. The judge also ordered all parties involved to return to court on May 2 to report compliance with the directive.
Achimugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group and widow of the late Suleiman Achimugu, Nigeria’s first recorded COVID-19 fatality in 2020, is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and corruption. She is also known to be an ally of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The EFCC arrested her around 5am on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Though she was initially granted administrative bail, the anti-graft agency claimed she violated bail terms and declared her wanted.
Justice Ekwo had earlier instructed Achimugu to honour the EFCC’s invitation regarding an ongoing investigation, and to appear in court on April 30 for a progress report. She complied with the directive, prompting the court’s fresh order for her immediate release.
The order follows a legal suit filed by Achimugu (FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025) against several Nigerian law enforcement bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Justice Ekwo emphasized due process in the matter and insisted that the EFCC report back on the outcome of the order on May 2.
