Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release Aisha Achimugu from its custody.
Justice Ekwo gave the order on Wednesday when the socialite cum businesswoman was arraigned before his court by officials of EFCC.
Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday while returning from a trip to London.
The court had previously directed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC on Monday in relation to an ongoing investigation involving money laundering, conspiracy, and other financial crimes.
However, Justice Ekwo, insisted that EFCC must respect the rule of law and follow due process in all its activities.
The judge then fixed May 2, 2025 for Achimugu legal team to return to court, to provide updates on the case and the implementation of the court’s order.
Achimugu was declared wanted by the EFCC in March after allegedly violating the terms of an earlier administrative bail.
The commission accused her of being involved in a high-profile financial fraud operation that includes laundering large sums of money through multiple companies.
Despite these allegations, her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that her arrest was unlawful.
“She returned voluntarily in good faith to comply with the court’s directive.
“Arresting her at the airport was a direct violation of that order,” he stated.
Achimugu was brought to court on Wednesday by two female EFCC operatives
EFCC is yet to file any formal charges against her.