Following the ongoing case involving popular socialite and oil executive Aisha Achimugu, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release her within 24 hours.
Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the directive on Wednesday during a brief court session, warning that the EFCC must obey the order without delay. He also directed all parties involved in the matter to appear before the court on May 2 to confirm compliance with the release order.
This development comes just days after Justice Ekwo instructed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and corruption.
Achimugu, who was declared wanted by the EFCC earlier this year, was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. She is being investigated for allegedly receiving large sums of money through suspicious means, reportedly amounting to over ₦8.7 billion, and using it to acquire oil blocs through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited.
The EFCC has accused her of obtaining these funds without clear proof of legal business sources and of using Bureau De Change operators to convert and pay over $25 million in cash for oil bloc licenses — a move the commission claims was tainted by corruption.
Although she had earlier been released on administrative bail, the anti-graft agency claimed she jumped bail, which led to her being declared wanted.
However, Wednesday’s ruling shifts the focus back to the rights of the accused. The judge insisted that due process must be followed and that the EFCC must present Achimugu in court if further legal steps are needed.
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