The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive on Wednesday and instructed all parties, especially the EFCC, to return to court on May 2 with a compliance report.
The order followed earlier proceedings on Monday in which the court instructed Achimugu to honour the EFCC’s invitation in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and related offences. The EFCC was also ordered to present her in court on Wednesday.
Achimugu was reportedly arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon returning from a foreign trip at about 5am on Tuesday. She was taken into custody and later brought to court on Wednesday around 11:35am.
During the resumed hearing, Justice Ekwo met privately with the lead counsel before proceedings continued in open court. Counsel to Achimugu, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), informed the court that a fresh affidavit of facts had been filed earlier in the day, detailing the events surrounding her arrest and detention.
According to the affidavit deposed to by Achimugu’s brother, Mr Ifeanyi Otuya, she was interrogated by EFCC operatives and granted bail, but remained in custody due to the stringent nature of the bail conditions.
These conditions include presenting two serving federal civil service directors as sureties, along with passport photographs, letters of employment and promotion, letters of introduction, and original certificates of occupancy for property in Abuja.
Justice Ekwo, in his ruling, acknowledged the pending bail process and said the EFCC would be allowed to complete it. However, he emphasised that Achimugu’s rights must be respected and the commission’s authority preserved.
“The 4th respondent (EFCC) is hereby ordered to facilitate the release of the applicant in line with the conditions stated in Paragraph 6 of the affidavit of facts within 24 hours of this order,” the judge ruled.
He also adjourned the matter until May 2 for further report on compliance.
The EFCC is investigating Achimugu for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, money laundering, corruption, and possession of suspected illicit assets.
(NAN)