The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following an ongoing investigation. Justice I.E. Ekwo issued the order on Monday, instructing Achimugu to appear before the EFCC at noon on Tuesday. The court also instructed the EFCC to return with her to the court the next day for further proceedings.
The decision followed an application filed by Achimugu’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, seeking to ensure that the businesswoman is not harassed or detained by the EFCC during the investigation. The lawyer also sought assurances that Achimugu’s fundamental rights would be respected throughout the process.
The development comes after a previous ruling by Justice Ekwo on April 11, where the judge had ordered the EFCC, along with several other security agencies, to file their defense in a suit filed by Achimugu. The businesswoman is seeking to prevent her planned arrest and detention.
The other agencies listed in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
On April 11, Justice Ekwo had expressed concern that none of the respondents, despite being served with the court’s order, had appeared in court as required. In response, Achimugu, through her lawyer, filed an ex-parte motion, requesting an order to stop any potential harassment or unlawful detention by the listed agencies. The motion also asked for an injunction to prevent any violations of her right to freedom of movement, privacy, and property.
The applicant, Achimugu, had pointed out in her suit that the EFCC had declared her wanted on March 28, describing the move as unwarranted and unjust. She argued that the declaration was made without probable cause, accusing the commission of attempting to damage her reputation and subject her to public ridicule.
In court on Monday, Ogunwumiju informed Justice Ekwo that despite efforts to serve the respondents, some had failed to submit their counter affidavits on time. However, the judge allowed an extension for the filing of responses. Ogunwumiju also emphasized that Achimugu had confirmed she would be returning to Nigeria on Tuesday to meet with the EFCC and continue cooperating with the investigation. She had expressed her willingness to attend the interview, as noted in an affidavit supporting the motion.
The lawyer further asked the court to allow Achimugu to attend the meeting with the EFCC under the same bail conditions previously granted. In his submissions, Ogunwumiju highlighted that the businesswoman would be traveling with her son, who has special needs, and requested that the court consider this in its ruling.
EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, disagreed with the application, referring to an earlier judgment in which a similar request by Achimugu was denied. However, the judge granted the extension for filing and directed the parties to return for further hearings as the matter continues.
