The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and seizure of her properties.
The EFCC announced the development in a statement on Monday, stating that Justice M.S. Liman ruled against the suit, which challenged the commission’s actions.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, Achimugu asked the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its legal powers when it searched her home and seized vehicles, jewellery and other belongings.
She also sought to enforce her right to privacy and requested an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or conducting further searches at her private residence.
Additionally, the businesswoman demanded N10bn in damages, arguing that the EFCC’s actions amounted to an infringement of her fundamental rights.
According to the commission, Justice Liman held that the EFCC was legally empowered to search Achimugu’s residence after receiving intelligence concerning her alleged criminal activities.
The judge was quoted as saying that the commission had the right to conduct the search.
The EFCC further stated that the court found no sufficient grounds to justify the N10bn compensation sought by Achimugu and dismissed the claim.
The commission added that the judge held that there was no legal basis to prevent it from performing its statutory responsibilities.
Consequently, the court ruled that the suit lacked merit, describing it as “frivolous” and “brought in bad faith,” according to the EFCC.
Reacting to the judgment, the commission’s counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice. He also argued that the suit was an attempt to waste the court’s time.
