JUST IN: Court orders EFCC to release Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to release Aisha Achimugu immediately.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on Wednesday April 30, 2025, directing the anti-graft agency to free the detained businesswoman within 24 hours.

Diaspora Digital Media, DDM, reported that, Achimugu, a well-known entrepreneur and socialite, was arrested by EFCC operatives on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The EFCC had taken her into custody over undisclosed allegations.

However, details of the case remain sketchy as of press time.

On Wednesday morning, EFCC officials brought Achimugu before the court in partial compliance with legal procedures.

Justice Ekwo emphasized that no citizen should be held in detention unlawfully without a proper charge or court order.

He ruled that continued detention of the suspect without formal charges violates her fundamental human rights.

The judge then directed the EFCC to report its compliance with the release order on Friday, May 2, 2025.

“The applicant shall be released within 24 hours of this order,” Ekwo declared in court.

He added that all parties involved must return to court on the scheduled date to confirm adherence.

EFCC spokespersons have yet to issue an official statement regarding the court’s decision.

Efforts to get comments from the Commission’s legal team proved abortive at the time of filing this report.

Sources close to Achimugu said she was shocked by the arrest and maintained her innocence.

Legal analysts say the ruling strengthens the judiciary’s stance against arbitrary detentions by law enforcement agencies.

Human rights advocates have commended the decision, calling it a victory for due process and the rule of law.

Achimugu’s lawyers said they expect full compliance with the court order without delay or excuses from the EFCC.

The case has drawn attention on social media, where Nigerians are demanding transparency and accountability from anti-graft bodies.

More details are expected to emerge after the May 2 hearing.

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